In the serene village of Nagarbera, nestled in Assam’s vibrant landscapes, Bhavna Choudhury’s journey toward environmental justice began. Growing up in the lap of nature, Choudhury was deeply influenced by her Tai Ahom heritage, a lineage rich in ancestral worship and harmony with nature. Her upbringing instilled in her an enduring connection to the environment, which she later channeled into groundbreaking initiatives bridging traditional knowledge with modern technology.
Rooted in Tradition, Soaring with Innovation
Choudhury’s childhood was a mosaic of vivid memories—fireflies lighting up dusky skies, migratory birds painting the winter horizon, and wild boars foraging in her backyard. These early encounters with biodiversity nurtured a profound understanding of the interconnectedness of life. Celebrations like Me-Dam-Me-Phi, a Tai Ahom ritual honoring ancestors, reinforced her commitment to preserving indigenous wisdom.
Though her education took her far from her roots—first to Georgia Tech for engineering and then to France for her master’s degree—Choudhury’s connection to her heritage remained steadfast. Her mother’s dedication to compiling Northeast Indian histories inspired Bhavna to champion stories often overshadowed in mainstream narratives.
The Genesis of ‘The Indegenous’
In 2021, Choudhury founded The Indegenous, a think tank dedicated to preserving indigenous knowledge while addressing modern environmental challenges. With a network of 59 contributors documenting 158 tribes across Northeast India, the organisation focuses on three vital pillars: land rights, food systems, and language preservation.
The Indegenous merges traditional wisdom with cutting-edge technologies like satellite imagery, drones, and big data analytics. This approach not only maps forest cover and biodiversity loss but also amplifies indigenous perspectives in global climate discussions.
“We operate with facts,” says Choudhury. “When I present at international forums, I bring data alongside our stories. It’s the language institutions understand.”
Challenges and Community Engagement
Despite its achievements, The Indegenous operates without formal funding. Passionate volunteers drive its initiatives, reflecting a shared belief in its mission. However, Choudhury acknowledges the pressing need for sustainable resources to expand their impact.
The organisation also fosters community engagement through eco-tourism, collaborating with platforms like ChaloHoppo to curate immersive experiences in Northeast India. These initiatives enable data collection while celebrating indigenous lifestyles, creating meaningful connections between communities and visitors.
Land, Identity, and Policy Advocacy
For Choudhury, land is at the heart of indigenous identity. She critiques policies that prioritize development at the expense of environmental sustainability, calling for a balance that respects traditional food systems and forest ecosystems.
“Forests and food systems aren’t just about survival—they define who we are,” she says, highlighting the need for inclusive decision-making that integrates indigenous voices.
She is particularly critical of initiatives like India’s Green Credit programme, which often overlook the existing harmony between indigenous communities and their environment. “Our lands are already forested. External policies disrupt natural systems instead of supporting them,” she explains.
Women Empowering Women
As a woman in climate advocacy, Choudhury emphasizes the importance of solidarity among women. “Every opportunity I’ve had came from another woman,” she says, underscoring the collaborative spirit that drives her work.
She also challenges the Western-centric narrative of climate activism, advocating for solutions rooted in local realities. In Assam, even catastrophic floods are met with resilience, as communities come together to adapt and thrive. “Resilience isn’t a buzzword for us—it’s a way of life,” she asserts.
A Vision for the Future
Choudhury envisions a world where indigenous knowledge is integral to global climate solutions. Through The Indegenous, she continues to advocate for policies that balance growth with sustainability, ensuring that traditional wisdom guides future progress.
In an era of rapid environmental change, Bhavna Choudhury stands as a testament to the power of blending ancient traditions with modern innovations. Her work reminds us that the path to a sustainable future lies in honoring the past while embracing the possibilities of tomorrow.
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