This episode delves into the complex relationship between humans and animals through indigenous literature and proverbs.
The guest, Dr. Dipanwita Pal, an assistant professor from West Bengal, India, explores Aboriginal Australian and Bengali narratives to highlight how these stories emphasize ecological values and a deep respect for nature and non-human animals.
Dr. Pal discusses the works of Oodgeroo Noonuccal, an Aboriginal Australian poet and activist, particularly focusing on stories that illustrate indigenous wisdom about coexistence with nature. One story, 'Kill to Eat,' underscores the strict laws of hunting among Aboriginal people, emphasizing that animals should only be killed to satisfy food needs, not out of anger or for sport. This rule highlights their eco-friendly mindset and mutual respect between humans and animals, reflecting a harmony that reduces threats to biodiversity.
The conversation also touches on anthropomorphism—the attribution of human characteristics to animals. Dr. Pal shares examples from Noonuccal's stories where animals are given human-like qualities, such as laughter and emotions, which fosters a protective and emotional bond between humans and animals.
The discussion shifts to Bengali literature, where Dr. Pal recounts 'Mohesh,' a story by a famous Bengali writer, depicting the deep emotional bond between a poor farmer and his ox. The story critiques the hypocrisy in society's treatment of animals, contrasting genuine affection and concern for the ox with societal neglect and selfishness.
Dr. Pal also examines a more complex relationship through another Bengali story involving a snake, illustrating the intricate and sometimes conflicted emotions humans have towards animals. These narratives serve as a mirror to societal attitudes and underline the cultural importance of understanding and respecting animals.
The episode concludes with a reflection on how human civilization impacts animal habitats and the inherent hypocrisy in claiming to love animals while contributing to their endangerment through habitat destruction.
Episode 4 of Series 12: Animals in Art and Culture Transcript
Guest: Dr Dipanwita Pal is an Associate Professor in English at Galsi Mahavidyalaya, West Bengal, India. Her Ph. D. thesis is based on the ecocritical study of the works of the first Australian Aboriginal poet Oodgeroo Noonuccal. She has edited books like Ecofeminism and Allied Issues, Exploring the Coexistence of the Humans and the Nonhumans within Literary Text, the Conference Proceedings for 26th International RAIS Conference on Social Sciences and Humanities, held in New York City and co-edited the Congress Book for the 1st International Women Studies Congress, held at Ankara, Turkey.
She has a number of papers published in various reputed national and international journals. She also Performed in an episode of the Podcast Project “Who Is Afraid of Humanity” broadcasted from Srilanka. She is the recipient of the Scientist of the Year Award 2020 by IKSAD (The Institute of Economic Development and Social Researches), Turkey. Her areas of interest are gender studies, indigenous studies, ecocriticism, Australian literature, Indian English literature. She is the recipient of the IASA ER Travel Fellowship to Australia 2024.
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(This blog post was written with the help of AI and edited for content and accuracy by Marika Bell)
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