Explain Little and Great Traditions.
A Village Knowledge Centre (VKC) is a community-based institution established in rural areas to facilitate knowledge sharing, skill development, and information dissemination among villagers. VKCs serve as hubs of learning and innovation, leveraging technology and local resources to empower rural coRead more
A Village Knowledge Centre (VKC) is a community-based institution established in rural areas to facilitate knowledge sharing, skill development, and information dissemination among villagers. VKCs serve as hubs of learning and innovation, leveraging technology and local resources to empower rural communities and promote socio-economic development.
Key features of Village Knowledge Centres include:
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Information Access: VKCs provide access to relevant and timely information on agriculture, health, education, government schemes, market prices, and other socio-economic aspects through ICT (Information and Communication Technology) tools such as computers, internet connectivity, and mobile devices.
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Skill Enhancement: VKCs offer training and capacity-building programs to enhance the skills and capabilities of villagers in various domains, including agriculture practices, vocational skills, entrepreneurship, and digital literacy.
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Technology Adoption: VKCs promote the adoption of appropriate technologies for agricultural productivity, resource management, and value addition. They facilitate demonstrations and hands-on training on modern farming techniques, renewable energy solutions, and ICT applications.
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Community Engagement: VKCs encourage community participation and collaboration by organizing workshops, seminars, and interactive sessions. They serve as platforms for knowledge exchange, collective problem-solving, and community-driven initiatives.
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Empowerment and Development: VKCs empower rural communities by fostering self-reliance, promoting local entrepreneurship, and strengthening social networks. They contribute to sustainable development by bridging information gaps, promoting innovation, and improving livelihoods.
Overall, Village Knowledge Centres play a vital role in promoting inclusive development and building resilient rural communities through knowledge-sharing, capacity-building, and technology-enabled solutions. They serve as catalysts for positive change, empowering villagers to make informed decisions, harness local resources, and create pathways towards sustainable development.
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The concepts of "Little Tradition" and "Great Tradition" were introduced by the anthropologist Robert Redfield to explain the coexistence of different cultural practices within societies, particularly in the context of traditional communities undergoing modernization and culturalRead more
The concepts of "Little Tradition" and "Great Tradition" were introduced by the anthropologist Robert Redfield to explain the coexistence of different cultural practices within societies, particularly in the context of traditional communities undergoing modernization and cultural change.
Little Tradition:
Little Tradition refers to the localized, folk, or community-specific cultural practices and beliefs prevalent among ordinary people in rural or non-elite urban settings. These traditions are often rooted in local customs, rituals, folklore, and everyday life activities. Little Traditions are passed down through generations orally and are closely tied to specific communities or social groups. They represent the cultural expressions and identity of common people within their immediate social contexts.
Great Tradition:
Great Tradition, on the other hand, refers to the broader, standardized, and more formal cultural practices associated with elite or dominant groups within society. It encompasses institutionalized religious beliefs, classical literature, high art forms, legal systems, and other aspects of culture that are considered prestigious or widely recognized. Great Traditions are typically transmitted through written texts, formal education systems, and centralized institutions.
The coexistence of Little Tradition and Great Tradition reflects the dynamic interplay between local, grassroots cultural expressions and overarching, cosmopolitan cultural norms. This concept highlights the diversity and complexity of cultural dynamics within societies undergoing processes of social change, modernization, and globalization, where traditional practices interact with external influences and modern institutions.
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