Week 7_A prep for the upcoming research phase
Exposure to different analytical methods Week-7 began with a quick recap on various research methods learned in the six weeks of NFLC classroom sessions. Neema emphasised the use of mixed methods such as observation, reflective field-notes, interviews, inventory mapping, survey, etc. to enrich the quality of research work. The gathered information could be qualitative or […]
Week 6_Livelihoods and Governance
What changed our livelihoods pattern? Environmental history fades away by the time a nation establishes its post-industrial era! The livelihood opportunities of the students from Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR) are predominantly dependent on nature like agriculture, gathering forest produce, rearing cattle, etc. They are primarily engaged in seasonal work based in and around their communities. […]
Week 5_A glimpse into Marketing and Urbanisation
Local markets in India serve as a hub for social spaces where disputes are settled, friendship bonds are made, marriage proposals take place, etc. They are also where the norms for exchange, traditionally based on trust, were imbibed within different cultures! The week started with depiction of barter-trade systems by students, who in groups of […]
Week 4_Healthier the mother, healthier her baby!
“We welcome a new-born to the world by feeding it a drop of honey or sugar-syrup. Our village elders believe that honey should be given first to a new-born, for the baby’s life to be as sweet as the honey,” said by Keystone students. But this week’s lectures on Health and Nutrition brought to light […]
Week 3_People, Culture & Gender
Anyone can pick-up “the spy glass of anthropology” to study humans, society and culture! The week started at a slow pace with students learning about new terminologies like ethnography, thick description i.e. interpreting pattern of meanings. As part of cross-boundary exercises, students in a groups of two had to describe a process each, to make […]
Week 2_ Ecology and the NBR bus tour
What can one expect when field trips are sandwiched in between regular classes? Learning is fun! Week 2 of NFLC was on Ecology where students were introduced to some basic concepts in the field of ecology like biosphere, ecosphere, specialists and generalists, K-strategy, R-strategy, keystone species that would bring a set of positive changes to […]
Week 1_The class of 2017
The Nilgiri Field Learning Centre 2017 started with a delightful surprise put forth by the Cornellians when they introduced themselves by writing their names in Tamil. It set a motivating tone for a new adventure as both Keystone and Cornell students are learning languages that embody tradition, culture and so many rich contexts. The Crossing […]
Week 4 &5_Society, Culture, Health & Nutrition
The past two weeks of the NFLC have been powerful in terms of linking and reflecting upon themes that are closely related not only to the indigenous people of the NBR but to every individual as well. Keystone director, Snehlata Nath, along with Cornell professor, Andrew Willford, took us through lectures and discussions about the […]
Week 2_Livelihoods in transition and social enterprise
The second week of the NFLC flew by as fast as the first. Archana Sivaramakrishnan anchored the first half of the week, capturing the livelihoods in transition of the NBR, followed by Mathew John who brought out the relevance and importance of market and social enterprises (Last Forest Enterprises) and explained its place in Keystone. […]
Week 1_Ecology
Keystone Foundation, one of Kotagiri’s popular ‘eco-systems’ welcomed the NFLC 2016 cohort into the newly constructed dorms after a tiring journey from across the globe. Even though jet lag was a dampener for some, the Cornelians’ counterparts here soon helped them settle into a comfortable rhythm and absorb the ambience in and around the Keystone […]