Abstract

Subhash Chandra Verma

The Tharu tribe is a famous tribal community of India. Though playing very dominant roles in their community, its youths are not connected with the main stream of development. Hence, this study aims at enlightening the government and international community on the challenges facing this community. Exploratory and descriptive research design has been employed in this primary data based study. Primary data on youth awareness in various matters have been collected by interviewing 116 youths, 18 to 25 year age group to know the level of awareness about education, technology, economic, political, environmental, health and cultural activities in these highly literate youth group. The study reveals poverty, illiteracy and lack of communication are the main problems of Tharu youths who are very backward in matters of advanced education, technology and communication. They do not like to go to advanced cities for education. And though they must have a rethink about this, they must also stick to their old culture in order to keep their identity. At present there are many other communities that exist in Tharu area, so the process of cultural exchange is still going on. However, they are against others who are capturing their land and forests. Hence, governmental financial assistance is a must if the Tharu tribe is to be developed and integrated into the global community.