A Comparative Study on Environmental Awareness among Tribal and Non-tribal University Students in Odisha

Description

Page: 356-359

Ankita Nath¹, Pradyumna Kumar Panda², and Binny Khati³ (Department of Psychology, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha¹ and Department of Psychology, Mizoram University, Aizawl, Mizoram^2,3)

Environmental issues have become a critical global concern, driven by rapid development and technological dependency that have significantly impacted ecological balance. In this context, environmental awareness encompasses not only knowledge of environmental problems but also moral responsibility and education for sustainable action. India, with 8.9% of its population identifying as tribal (Census of India, 2011), includes communities traditionally connected with nature through their lifestyles and occupations. However, migration for education, healthcare, and employment is influencing these communities’ environmental perceptions. This study aims to assess and compare the environmental awareness of tribal and non-tribal university students in Odisha. A descriptive survey method was employed, involving 60 participants-30 tribal and 30 non-tribal students selected from various universities. Data were collected using the Environmental Awareness Questionnaire developed by Simpson (2011) and analysed through an independent samples t-test using SPSS. Results indicate a statistically significant difference (t = 0.04, p < .05), with tribal students exhibiting slightly higher levels of environmental awareness than their non-tribal peers. These findings suggest that tribal students’ traditional ecological orientation may contribute to heightened environmental sensitivity. The study demonstrates the importance of inclusive, culturally sensitive educational programs that promote sustainability and bridge awareness gaps among diverse student populations.