Published Paper Details:

In India, in an attempt to find a balance between technological advancement and regional sustainability practices, development paradigms are increasingly exploring hybrid techniques. These techniques incorporate modern scientific discoveries with traditional knowledge systems (Modernization Theory). This paper presents a sociological analysis of such hybrid development approaches in the setting of the Dongria Kondh tribe of Odisha. The lifestyle of this tribe is closely connected with forest ecosystems, traditional agriculture and community governance structures. The study adopts a sociological lens, drawing on theories of community participation, social structure, gender and governance to understand how hybrid development models function in local contexts. The study is based on secondary data from government reports, NGO case studies and academic literature. The study focuses on the interaction between scientific interventions such as contemporary farming methods, soil testing and water conservation technologies and the tribe's traditional ecological knowledge such as sacred groves, seed preservation and sustainable forest management. The study highlights how social structures, gender norms (Gender Role Theory), caste, tribal identity and participatory governance influence the uptake and results of hybrid development projects. For instance, the Gram Sabha and clan-based councils are crucial in determining how new technologies are incorporated, guaranteeing that ecological principles and communal values are honoured. The involvement of women in minor forest produce management and seed preservation further highlights the significance of gendered knowledge in maintaining hybrid traditions (Gender Role Theory). The findings suggest that hybrid development models can disclose sociological constraints including marginalisation, policy gaps and conflicts between tradition and modernity (Modernization Theory, Globalization Theory), while simultaneously achieving people- centric, ecologically sustainable and socially inclusive outcomes. The study shows that creating development initiatives that are both culturally sensitive and scientifically successful requires an understanding of community dynamics, social hierarchies and local governance processes. In addition to providing insights for policymakers, practitioners and researchers interested in fusing indigenous knowledge with contemporary development frameworks in a globalising world, this research adds to a nuanced understanding of sustainable development in India by examining the intersections of science, tradition and community.