Jan Seva Mandal

Content Description

This collection comprises the papers of Dr. Marie Dsouza and Fr. Brian D’Silva, who jointly executed a project supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India , between 1992 and 1995 . The collection includes project proposals,financial records , draft manuscripts , and official correspondence prepared and submitted to the DST as part of the research and implementation process. These documents provide critical insight into the planning, execution, and reporting of an initiative focused on the documentation and validation of indigenous health practices among tribal communities in northern Maharashtra.

Condition Description

The papers were originally stored in files, resulting in rust stains from metal fasteners and the presence of both major and minor tears across several documents. Despite these issues, the overall condition of the collection remains stable and good, with content largely intact and legible.

Accession Date

2025-07-11

Disposition

These papers hold significant importance in tracing the development and revival of indigenous health practices. Compiled through extensive field surveys and primary source engagement, the notes and slides offer firsthand documentation of traditional knowledge systems. Dr. Marie Dsouza personally oversaw and practiced every stage from harvesting medicinal plants and herbs to preparing and determining dosages. As such, this collection serves as a valuable and authentic resource for understanding the depth, methodology, and application of tribal medicinal knowledge in India. This material will be included in new Marie Dsouza papers collection.

Acquisition Type

Loan

Provenance

In 2002, the Sisters at Jan Seva Mandal established Jeevan Vidya Trust (JVT), in Nandurbar, with a continued focus on indigenous health systems. As part of her commitment to preserving this knowledge, Dr. Marie entrusted her entire collection including field notes, photographs, manuals, and reports to Sister Jackqueline at JVT. The Trust remains an active practitioner of traditional medicine, continuing to prepare indigenous remedies based on the very knowledge Dr. Marie helped document. The material is loaned to MPSM and it was procured by Archives Coordinator (Bhavana Tole).

Retention Rule

The material is in a form of loan. The duration of the loan is 9 months.

Language of Description

English

Script of Description

Latin

Restrictions Apply

Yes

Access Restrictions

Collection is open for access unless mentioned in specific folders of the finding aid.

Use Restrictions

Copyright may not have been assigned to Archives, National Centre for Biological Sciences. Permission for reproduction or distribution must be obtained in writing from the Archives at NCBS (archives@ncbs.res.in). The Archives at NCBS makes no representation that it is the copyright owner in all of its collections. The user must obtain all necessary rights and clearances before use of material and material may only be reproduced for academic and non-commercial use.