CURRICULUM VITAE 

Dr. AJEET JAISWAL                                                          

Asst. Professor

Department of Anthropology

Pondicherry University

R.V. Nagar, Kalapet

Puducherry-605014

E-mail- rpgajeet@gmail.com

                                                                                                  

Education:

·         Ph. D.             Delhi University           February, 2009   Physical / Biological Anthropology

 [The Doctorate study involved Public Health & Occupational Hazards,social & health aspects included Demographic, Anthropometric, Nutritional and Physiological Parameters].  

·         M.Sc               Delhi University           2003                           Ist Div.                  Physical Anthropology

·         B.Sc.               Delhi University           2001                           Ist Div.                    Group B (Sericulture)

Teaching and Research Interests:

• Physical/Biological Anthropology.
• Prehistoric Archeology
• Tribal Ethnography
• Forensic Anthropology
• Public Health & Occupational Hazards
• Nutritional Anthropology.

·         Demographical Anthropology

·         Human Genetics.

·         Computer Application in Anthropological Research

Supervising M.Phil and M.A. Scholars on following Topics:

1.      Forensic Anthropology (M.Phil : 1 Awarded, M.Phil: 1 Persuing, M.A.: 1 Persuing)

2.      Human Population Genetics (M.Phil : 1 Awarded, M.Phil : 1 Persuing, M.A.: 1 Awarded)

3.      Demographical Anthropology ( M.A.: 1 Awarded)

4.      Epidemiological Studies (M.Phil : 1 Persuing)

Academic Positions

Since 2010 – Present     Assistant Professor, Department of Anthropology, Pondicherry University

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

n  2009-2010, Sr. Research Executive, CS Datamation Research Services Pvt. Ltd., Delhi Prepared Annual Progress Report (2008-09), Ministry of Rural Development, Govt. of India, both Financial and Physical Performance of all the  Programmes (NREGA, PMGSY, SGSY, IAY, DRDA-admin, DDP, DPAP, IWDP, ARWSP & TSC.

Research Experience

1.       Ph.D. (2003-2008) Title: Health Conditions of Textile Workers of Dist. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.         The Doctorate work involved study of various aspect of Health Sector i.e. Demographic, Anthropometric, Nutritional and Physiological Parameters.

     Objective   

·         To analyze following aspects of Health Sector with the help of SPSS, MS-Excel, SAS statistical Software.

i.    General information                                   ii.    Industrial and working condition information

iii. Family planning programs                        iv.    Work format and safety measures

v.   Life style and factors                                   vi.    Demographic Information

vii. Occupational Health analysis    viii.  Anthropometric and physiological measurement

   ix. Nutritional survey                                          x.    Statistical analysis

2.  Thesis Dissertation (2002-2003) a part of the Masters program in Anthropology Title: A study of taste sensitivity of Phenylthiocarbamide and colour blindness among the Jats community of Dist. Rohtak, Haryana.                          

Objective 

                     

·         To find out the frequency distribution of taster and non-taster gene and colour blindness among Jats.      

·         To compare the present population with other population of north India.

·         To study the genetic affinity of Jats with other population.

book/monographs

1. ANTHROPO-MEDICAL PROFILE OF TEXTILE WORKERS, Alfa Publications, New Delhi, ISBN: 978-93-80937-75-5.:2012.

Orientation Course: Attended the 57th Orientation Course conducted by UGC- Academic staff college, BHU, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, held during May 21 – June 17, 2011.

Workshop: Attended the Two day workshop on Health, Nutrition and Fitness conducted by Directorate of Physical Education and Sports, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, held on 23^rd- 24th August, 2011.

Exhibition: Attended the exhibition on “HUMAN ORIGINS, GENOME AND THE PEOPLE OF INDIA” Organized jointly by Anthropological Survey of India, Southern Regional Centre, Mysore and Government Museum, Chennai, 10 days from 31^st Aug- 9^th September, 2011. 

Visiting Faculty: Visiting Faculty for delivering Lectures under UGC-SAP-DSA-III Programme, Department of Anthropology, College of Sciences, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, 2012-13. Delivered a series of Lecture from 07.07.2012-15.07.2012.   

Publications

           

1         “Respiratory Efficiency as Affected by Exposure to Textile Dust- Health Status Evaluation of Textile Workers of District Varanasi of Uttar Pradesh” Genes, Environment and Health Anthropological perspective, 2005,12:135-161.

2         “Health Status of Textile Industrial Workers of Uttar Pradesh, India” EAA Summer e-Book 1:217-233, European Anthropology Association, Prague, Czech Republic, 2007.

3         “The Hominization process of Homo Sapience”, EAA Summer e-Book 1:43-46, European Anthropology Association, Prague, Czech Republic, 2007.

4         Safety and Occupational Health: Problems and Prospects” Quality and Safety in Health Care 2009, British Medical Journal (BMJ Group), London, UK., 2008.(ISSN-0012-3692).

5         “Health conditions of a Textiles Workers and their association with breathing
condition” The Asian Man, An International Journal, June, 2011, 5, 1: 28-33.(ISSN:0974-6366)

6         “Occupational Hazard of Textile Workers of Uttar Pradesh, India” The Asian Man, An International Journal, AIHSD, Lucknow, (Accepted).

7         “A study of the Occupational Health function among female Textile Workers” International Journal of Sociology and Anthropology (IJSA) MARCH, 2011, 3, 3: 109-114. (ISSN 2006- 988x ©2011 Academic Journals)

8         “A Study on Nutritional Profile of Textile Workers and Non Textile Workers of Uttar Pradesh”  Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development, An International Journal, July- Dec. 2011, 2 (2):1-5. 2011. (Print: ISSN-0976-0245 and Electronic: ISSN-0976-5506)

9         “A Study Factors Associated With the Deterioration of Respiratory Function among Male Textile Workers in Uttar Pradesh” Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development, Noida. (accepted) 2011.

10     “A Study of Taste Sensitivity of Phenylthiocarbamide and Colour Blindness among the Jats community of Dist. Rohtak, Haryana" Indian Anthropologist, 2011, 41:2, 49-56 (ISSN 0970-0927).

11      “A Comparative Study of Religions and Rituals of Workers” Asia Pacific Journal of Social Sciences, Vol.III (1), Jan-June 2011, 225-236.(ISSN-0975-5942)

12     “The Changing Occupational Structure and Economic Profile of Textile Industry Of Banaras, Uttar Pradesh” Journal for Social Science, 2011, 89-91. (ISSN-0971-8923).

13     “Morphological and Physiological Study of Textile Industrial Workers of Uttar Pradesh” The Asian Man, An International Journal, AIHSD, Lucknow, (Accepted).

14     “Social and Economic Democracy and Removal of Untouchability” Global Journal of Human Social Science Vol: XI, Issue XI Version I, Janurary,,2012, Global Journals Inc. (US), 81-84. (online: ISSN:2249-460X and Print ISSN: 0975-587X.)

15      “Ethnographic Profile of the Textile workers of Utter Pradesh: Religion wise” The Anthropologists, International Journal of Contemporary and Applied Studies of Man, 2012, 14(2): 231-237 (ISSN-0972-0073).

16     "Tribal Development in India: Reality and Conflict" for the edited volume "State of Human Development in North-East"(Under Publication).

17     “A Study on the Intake and Expenditure of Calories among the Manufacturing Workers” Human Biology Review, International Peer Reviewed Journal of Biological Anthropology, 2012: 1( 2), 151-168. (ISSN 2277 4424)

18     “Occupational Injuries related to Sleepiness in Indian Traditional Industries” Human Biology Review, International Peer Reviewed Journal of Biological Anthropology (ACCEPTED).

19     “Social and Economic Democracy and Removal of Untouchability” Bheem Patrika Vol: I, No. 3, May,2012, 7-10. (ISSN:2277-7768)

20      “Estimation of Stature from Hand and Phalange Length among the among the Santhal Tribe of  Odisa, India” Indian Journal of forensic Medicine and Toxicology (ACCEPTED).

21     “A Review of Professional and Industrial Workers Health Research in India” Voice of Intellectual Man, An International Journal (ACCEPTED).

22     “The impact of Globalization on a survivor of Tsunami – Onge, the Ethnographic account of Indigenous community of Little Andaman Island” Voice of Intellectual Man, An International Journal (ACCEPTED).

23     "Globalization impact on Child Health and Nutrition in India" Indian journal of Human Rights and Law, special issue "child rights, law and development- emerging challenge" (ACCEPTED).

24     “Ambedkar's View on the British Rule in India and Drafting of the Indian Constitution” Bheem Patrika  (ACCEPTED).

25     “Origins of Caste and Untouchability: A Concept of State Socialism and Social Change” Bheem Patrika  (ACCEPTED).

26     “Tribes of India: India’s overall demographic scene and demographic features in tribal societies” International Journal of Management and Social Sciences (IJMSS) (ACCEPTED).

27     “Changing Strategic and Global Relationship between India and Japan: Past and Present " Asia Pacific Journal of Social Sciences"  3rd Special Issue on “India-Japan: Six Decades of Bilateral Relations” (ACCEPTED).

28     “Occupational health problem among Carpet Weaving Workers in, India” book titled : "Health and Disease in the Indian Communities" INCAA publication, (ACCEPTED).

Seminar Attended & Paper Presented 

1    PC BISWAS Centenary National Seminar of People of India: Anthropological Perspective, March 29-31, 2002. Department of Anthropology, University of Delhi, Delhi-110007

                                               

2        National Workshop on Emerging Issues in Tribal Health and  Medicines March 29-30, 2004, Department of Anthropology, University of Delhi, Delhi-110007          

3        National Seminar on Human Genetics Health and Ethics in Research:                                           Anthropological Perspective, Feb 15-16, 2005, Department of Anthropology, Punjab University, Chandigarh and Presented Paper “Respiratory efficiency As affected by Exposure to Textile Dust – Health Status Evaluation of Textile Workers of District Varanasi of Uttar Pradesh”.

4. National Conference on Biosocial Aspect of Human Growth, Development and Nutrition, November 20-21, 2006 (Under the aegis of UGC Special  Assistance Programme in Anthropology), Department of Anthropology, Punjab University, Chandigarh, and Presented Paper “Morpho-Physiological Study of Textile Industrial Workers of Uttar Pradesh”.

5    National Seminar on Biological Diversity among Indian Tribes Issues and management of Health and Environment December 18-20, 2006, Department of Anthropology, University of Delhi, Delhi-110007 and Presented Paper “Anthropo-Physiological Study of Textile Industrial Workers, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh”.

6.      Inter-University Inter-Disciplinary Seminar on Explorations in Anthropology and Allied Disciplines: Emerging Trends and Challenges, March 7 & 8, 2008, Department of Anthropology, University of Delhi, Delhi-110007, and Presented Paper “Textile Industries Exposure and Lung function: The Comparative study”.

7.      National Symposium on Genome Diversity, Diseases, Obesity and Health, December 22-24, 2008, Department of Anthropology, University of Delhi, Delhi-110007 and Presented Paper “Safety and Occupation Health: Problems and Prospects”.

8.      National Symposium on Tribes, Rethinking Paradigms in Anthropology, December 26-28, 2008, Department of Anthropology, University of Delhi, Delhi-110007.

9.      UGC-SAP National Seminar on Population Health and Genetic Diversity: Perspectives and Issues, March 25 & 26, 2009, Department of Anthropology, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati (UGC-SAP DRS Phase III), and Presented Paper “Occupational Health and Their association with Respiratory Function: A Comparative Study”.

10.   98th Indian Science Congress at SRM University, Chennai, Tamilnadu. Jan. 2011 and Presented Paper “A Study of the Lung Function among Male Textile Workers of Uttar Pradesh” Awarded with Best Title.

11.  National Seminar on Gandhi and Conflict Resolution in the New Millennium: Social, Political and Economic Perspective”. Jan. 2011, Centre for Gandhian Studies, Department of Politics and International Studies, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, and Presented paper “Ethnographic Profile of the Textile workers of Utter Pradesh in the 21st century: Religion wise”.

12.   National Seminar on Scientific Knowledge, Cultural Technologies and Colonial Explorations of Peninsular India”. Feb. 2011, Department of History, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, and Presented paper “Ethnographic Profile of the Toda Tribe of Nilgiri Hills during British Raj”.

13.  UGC National Seminar on Tribal Development In India: Challenges and Interventions. Department of Anthropology, Andhra University, Vishakhapatnam, 27-28^th Feb.2011, Presented paper “Ethnographic Profile of Bodo Tribe of Kakrajhar District, Assam”.

14.  National Seminar on Religion and Society In Peninsular India (7^th-16^th C.A.D.), Department of History, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, 24-26^th Feb. 2011, Seminar Attended.

15.  National Seminar on Colonial State, Capital and Labour in India, Department of History, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, 1-2^nd Mar, 2011, Seminar Attended.

16.  International Seminar on Farmers suicides. Department of Sociology, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, 1-2 Jan,2011, Seminar Attended.

17.  National Seminar on Bio- Culteral Diversity and Sustainable Development: Contemporary Issues and Consequences, March 11-12, 2011, Department of Anthropology, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati (UGC-SAP DSA Phase III AND UGC Unassigned Grants), Presented paper “A Study on Nutritional Profile of Textile Workers and Non Textile Workers of Uttar Pradesh”.

18.  National Seminar on Food Gathering to Cyber Cultur: The Trajectory of Human Development” on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of Anthropological Survey of India, Southern Regional Centre, Mysore, September 21-22, 2011, Presented paper: A Study on Body Mass Index and Nutritional intake of Adolesent Girls.

19.  National Seminar on “ Dr. B.R.Ambedkar’s Perspective of Equality and its Relevance in the Era of Globalisation”, 29^th-30^th November 2011, Centre for Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy Pondicherry University, Puducherry, Presented Two Paper : Ambedkar’s Thought on Democracy and Removal of Untouchability and Status of the Constitutional Provisions among the Marginal community of India.

20.  International Seminar on “Sri Lanka after LTTE: Implications for India”. Southern Asia Studies Programme and UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Institute of South Asia Regional Cooperation (UMISARC), Pondicherry University, Puducherry, 16-17^th Feburary, 2012, Seminar Attended.

21.  National Seminar on “Water Disputes in India” by Prof. V. Thangavelsamy, Department of Politics and International Studies, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, 17^th Feburary, Seminar Attended.

22.  Indian National Confederation and Academy of Anthropologists (INCAA), Inter- Congress In Anthropology: 2012, Department of Anthropology, University of Lucknow, 21-23^rd  Feburary, 2012, Presented Two paper: "A Review of Professional and Industrial Workers Health Research in India” and  “ Occupational Health problem among Carpet Weaving Workers in India”.

23.  International Seminar on “Food and Health in Cross-Culteral Perspectives: Policies and Practices”. French Institute of Pondicherry, Presented paper: A study on the Intake and Expenditure of Calories among the Manufacturing Workers, 1-3^rd March, 2012.

24.  National Seminar on “The Process of Development and Present Living Condition of the Tribes in India” Centre for Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy Pondicherry University, Puducherry,  19-20^th March, 2012, Seminar Attended.

25.  National Seminar on “India’s Security Policy: Shifting Paradigms and Emerging Frontiers of Cooperation” Under the SAP, UGC and Public Diplomacy Division, Ministry of External Affair, Government of India, Department of Politics and International Studies, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, March 26-27^th 2012, Seminar Attended.

26.  National Seminar on “Issues and Challenges In Tribal Areas” Under the SAP, UGC and Anthropological Survey Of India, Kolkata, Department of Anthropology, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Presented Two Paper: The impact of Globalization on a survivor of Tsunami – Onge, the Ethnographic account of Indigenous community of Little Andaman Island and Attribute of Tribal Development and Its Influences: An Anthropological Study among Katunayakan Tribe of Maurai, Tamil Nadu, March 29-30th 2012.

27.  National Seminar on “River Water Sharing in South Asia: Identifying Common Concerns for Peace and Development” UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Institute of South Asia Regional Cooperation (UMISARC) and Southern Asia Studies Programme, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, April 19^th-21^st, 2012, Seminar Attended.

28.    International Environment and Health Confernce, 2012 at University Sains, Penang, Malaysia, 6-7^th June, 2012. Presented Paper:  “Occupational Injuries Related to Sleepiness in Indian Traditional Industries” Received Best Paper Award

29.  National Seminar on Genetic Variation in Human Population, May 19-20, 2012, Department of Anthropology, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati (UGC-SAP DSA Phase III), Presented paper “Estimation of Stature from Lower Extremities among the Santhal Tribe Of Odisa, India.

30.  International Symposium on Environmental Impacts, Health Implications and Therapeutic Approaches (ISEHT-2012), July 15-17, 2012, Vikram Simapuri University, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, Presented paper “A Study of Textile Industrial Exposure and Lung Functions.31.   

A warded

1.  UGC SRF (Senior Research Fellowship) by U.G.C. from Oct 05 to April 08

2.       UGC JRF (Junior Research Fellowship) by U.G.C. from Oct. 03 to Oct. 05.

3.   UGC NET (National Eligibility Test) by University Grant Commission (2003-2005)

4.       University Topper in Graduation -Group B (Sericulture), 2001.

Special Achievements

1.      Received Best Paper Award on Paper Entitled “Occupational Injuries Related to Sleepiness in Indian Traditional Industries” in International Environment and Health Confernce, 2012 at University Sains, Penang, Malaysia, 6-7^th June, 2012.

2.       Received Best Title Award on Paper ““A Study Of The Lung Function Among Male Textile Workers Of Uttar Pradesh” in 98th Indian Science Congress at SRM University, Chennai, Tamilnadu. Jan. 2011.

3.       Actively Participated in the Intensive Course in Biological Anthropology, Department of Anthropology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Science, Charles University and European Anthropology Association, Prague, Czech Republic, Europe.

4.       Papers Presented on “Health Status of Textile Industrial Workers of Uttar Pradesh, India” & “The Hominization process of Homo Sapience” and got academic credit of 8 ECTS, Department of Anthropology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Science, Charles University and European Anthropology Association, Prague, Czech Republic, Europe.

Extra Curriculum Activities

·         Examination incharge : Appointed as examination incharge of the Department of Anthropology, Pondicherry University, Puducherry in Odd Semester, Nov. 2010-11.

·         University observer : Nominated as University observer for Directorate of Distance Education Examination for Asia Pacific Institute of Management Studies, Mathura Road, New Delhi center (Dec. 2010).

·         Rapporteuer: UGC-SAP National Seminar on Population Health and Genetic Diversity: Perspectives and Issues, March 25 & 26, 2009, Department of Anthropology, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati (UGC-SAP DRS Phase III).

·         Editorial member : Editorial member of the science magazine of the P.G. Men’s Hostel, University of Delhi, 2008-10

·         Actively participated in Polio immunization program, Family planning awareness program, AIDS control program, Blood donating camp organized by Rotary International Club (RIC) and Lions club International (LCI) ( from 2001 onwards).

·         Coordinated and managed several educational as well as entertainment program in the P.G. Men’s Hostel, University of Delhi, like Discussion on terrorism by Mr. Kabil Sibbal (Cabinet minister, S&T and Earth science), Discussion on Dalit by Prof. Tulsi Ram, J.N.U, Delhi. Annual cultural festival, Annual sports festival etc.

·         University observer: Nominated as University observer for Directorate of Distance Education Examination for Fostima Business School, Sri Balaji HRD Trust, South Ext. New Delhi center (June. 2011).

·         Co- Chairperson: Session III- Biology and Development, National Seminar on Bio- Culteral Diversity and Sustainable Development: Contemporary Issues and Consequences, March 11-12, 2011, Department of Anthropology, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati (UGC-SAP DSA Phase III AND UGC Unassigned Grants).

·         Co- Chairperson: Session IV- Health, Food, Nutrition, Growth and Development., National Seminar on Bio- Culteral Diversity and Sustainable Development: Contemporary Issues and Consequences, March 11-12, 2011, Department of Anthropology, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati (UGC-SAP DSA Phase III AND UGC Unassigned Grants).

·         Co-ordinator of a Special Lecture on Forensic Anthropology: Co-ordinated a Special Lecture on Forensic Anthropology and its Application in Crime Investigation by Mr. D Shanmugam, Scientific Officer, Regional Forensic Laboratory, Villupuram, Tamilnadu (March,2011).

·         Co-ordinator of a Special Lecture on Prehistoric Archeology: Co-ordinated a Special Lecture on Prehistoric Archeology of India by Prof. K.Rajan, Department of History, Pondicherry University,Puducherry (March,2011)..

·         Course Instructor: Course Instructor for UPSC classes for SC,ST, OBC and Minority Students, Sponsered by Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, 2011-12.

·         Course Instructor: Course Instructor for UGC, CSIR, NET/ JRF classes for SC,ST, OBC and Minority Students, Sponsered by Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, 2011-12.

·         Co-ordinator of a Educational Field Trip: Co-ordinated a Educational Field Trip of the 57th  Orientation Course conducted by UGC- Academic staff college, BHU, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, on June 09, 2011.

·         Manuscript reviewing: Reviewed Manuscript, Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved (JHCPU-Feb-2011-OP-0072) entitled "Immune Response Due to Silica Exposure in Egyptian Phosphate Mines" for the Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved.

·         Faculty Advisor: Appointed as a Faculty Advisor for MA I, Department of Anthropology, Pondicherry University, for the year, 2011-12.

·         Mini Marathon: Actively Participated in the open mini marathon, on National Sports Day,29th  August,2011, Organized by Directorate of Physical Education and Sports, Pondicherry University, Puducherry.

·         Coordinator of the Programme:  Appointed as a Coordinator of the Programme. Main Theme of the Programme ‘Peace, Non-Violence and Corruption free Society” organized by Centre for Gandhian Studies, School of Social Sciences and International Studies, Pondicherry University, Puducherry on 30^th September, 2011 and 2^nd October,2011.

·         Member of the Committee:  Appointed as a Member of the Medical and First Aid Committee and Ceremonial Committee in the South Zone Inter University KhO-Kho (Women) Tournament 2011-12, organized by Directorate of Physical Education and Sports, Pondicherry University, Puducherry from 27th-30th September, 2011.

·         Coordinator and Incharge of Physical/Biological Anthropology Laboratory: Responsible for the Development of  Physical/Biological Anthropology Laboratory: A Research and Teaching Laboratory and is the Incharge of Physical/Biological Anthropology Laboratory

·         Incharge of MA Field Trip: Appointed as a Incharge of MA student Research Field Trip to study the Kharwar Tribe of Varanasi- Mirzapue and Shoanbhadra belt of Uttar Pradesh for a period 30 days (November- December 2011).

·         Soft core taught in The Centre for Canadian Studies:  Taught the following Soft core “ 1) Society and Culture in Canada and India; 2) Ethnography of  Canadian Aborigines in The Centre for Canadian Studies for the MA and M.Phil Students during the academic year of 2010-11.

·         University observer: Nominated as University observer for Directorate of Distance Education Examination for Institute of Environment and Management, Environment House Lucknow Center, Uttar Pradesh (January. 2012).

·         Rapporteuer: Session II- Social change and Development-I, Indian National Confederation and Academy of Anthropologists (INCAA), Inter- Congress In Anthropology: 2012, Department of Anthropology, University of Lucknow, 21-23rd  Feburary, 2012.

·         Organising Committee Member: Member of the Organising Committee of National Seminar on “The Process of Development and Present Living Condition of the Tribes in India” Centre for Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy Pondicherry University, Puducherry, 19-20th March, 2012.

·         External Examiner: External Examiner for Practical Examination and Viva – Voce on 20-21st April, 2012 in the Development of Anthropology, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh.

·         Member Of the Doctoral Committee:  Member Of the Doctoral Committee of Mr K.K.Boban, Research Scholar of Dr Sahin Sultana, Reader, Dept. of Social Work, Pondicherry University, April, 2012.

·         Manuscript reviewed: Reviewed Manuscript, entitled “Association of obesity with hypertension and type 2 diabetes and the role of the menopausal status “for the Human Biology Journal, April, 2012.

·         Chairperson: Session II- Health and Disease, National Seminar on Genetic Variation in Human Population, May 19-20, 2012, Department of Anthropology, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati (UGC-SAP DSA Phase III).

Membership

1. AIDS and Anthropology Research Group (AARG), American Anthropological Association.
2. Society for anthropological sciences (SASci).
3. British Medical Journal (BMJ)
4. International Society For Asia- Pacific Studies (ISAPS)
5. Asian Institute of Human Science and Development (AIHSD)
6. Voice of Intellectual Man (VOIM)
7. Indian Science Congress (ISC)
8. Lions club International (LCI)
9. Indian National Confederation and Academy of Anthropologists (INCAA)

INTERNATIONAL REPORT

Report On The International Conference

Food, Health And Mental Health In Cross-Cultural Perspectives: Policies And Practices

The French Institute of Pondicherry 1-3 March 2012

BALM, Chennai   And   FIP, Pondicherry

                                                             With the support of          

Navajbai Ratan Tata Trust, AUF and CNRS

                                         FIP BALM/The Banyan

FORWARD

The aim of the conference has been to encourage reflections on food, physical and mental health and the interrelationship between them. These subjects were mainly addressed with reference to low income populations in India. The presence of some participants from Morocco, Niger and France enabled to enrich debates, notably on particular aspects such as history of food security or cultural dimensions of food and health. Obviously, such a conference cannot solve the immense issues of access to food and health to which the world has to face, but by the variety of topics, it has aimed to improve the understanding of the problems and to develop more coordinated responses.  

The conference has been possible thanks to the joint efforts of the BALM (The Banyan Academy of Leadership in Mental Health), the research and training center of the NGO The Banyan, Chennai, involved in the mental health care of homeless women, and of the FIP (French Institute of Pondicherry), a research institution under the aegis of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which carries out research in indology, social sciences and ecology, and the financial support of Navajbai Ratan Tata Trust, the French Institute of Pondicherry, the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) and the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS). The conference has also welcomed two participants from Niger and Morocco who are involved with the FIP in the UNESCO Chair entitled ‘The safeguarding and enhancement of food culture and heritage’ brought and managed by the University François Rabelais, Tours.

The study presented by Ajeet Jaiswal “Study on the intake and expenditure of calories among the manufacturing worker” has been realized in Varanasi district, Uttar Pradesh. This North State is very populated and not so well developed with a rate of literacy of 57.37%. In Varanasi district, the percentage of workers is 28.5% of the total population, among them 29.8 % belong to rural area and 26.7% belongs to urban one (Census of India 2001). The other workers are engaged in agriculture, mining and business. The objective of the study has been to assess and to compare the nutritional status between textile workers and non textile workers. 463 persons working at different sectors in twenty-one textile factories and 457 non textile workers have been surveyed regarding their body measurements and dietary intake[1] (data are presented below). Regarding the body measurements, Ajeet Jaiswal’s study reveals that the weight of textile workers is lower than that of non textile worker. Body Mass Index lower than 18.5 is more frequent in textile workers (30.95% versus 25.99%) while overweight and obesity cases are less in this group, respectively (5.01% versus 10.21%) and (0.66% versus 4.25%). These findings are correlated with the difference of consumption between the two worker groups. The textile workers consumption in all the food categories is lower than that of the RDA, that of women being worse than that of men who eat much more micronutrient-rich food such as pulses, fruits, dairy products and vegetables. The data also inform  that the staple food of these workers is finger millet or rice; that the majority of them does not have three meals a day regularly, and the consumption of non vegetarian food is irregular (once to three times per weeks). Ajeet Jaiswal states that the deficiency in nutrient intake of textile workers is due to their insufficient wages and their ignorance on nutritional status of food. In conclusion, he proposes that the incomes of these workers are enhanced, that the educational standard is uplifted, that the education includes awareness on food and nutrition and that poor economic households are more helped in order they benefit from a balanced diet. One expects that this study, which has been published, will be read by policy makers of Uttar Pradesh, a state well known for its poverty and low standards of governance .

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[1] Standardized according to: Gopalan, G., Ramasastri B.V. and Balasubramanian, S.C. (2007). Nutritive value of Indian foods. Revised and Updated by B.S. Narasinga Rao, Y.G. Deosthale and K.C. Pant Hyderabad, National Institute of Nutrition, ICMR (1^st publication 1971).