Impact of social change on community- a case study of the snake charmers (sapua kela) of Padmakesharipur, Odisha

The phenomenon of social change has been present in every existing society at all times. As modernity embarked, many communities have undergone changes by the forces of social change. The present paper titled ‘Impact of Social Change on Community- A Case Study of the Snake Charmers (Sapua Kela) of Padmakesharipur, Odisha’ attempts to find the impact of social change and occupational transition of the community. The research uses exploratory research design. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used for collecting data. It was found that snake charming tradition of Sapua Kela is quite old (add) as more than three generations of the community has been involved in snake charming. Stricter laws were responsible for the decline of snake charming but more than half of the respondents believed that the popularity of snake charming as a source of entertainment has not reduced yet. The current occupational profile shows that many of them areengaged as daily wage labourer and in private jobs. Job satisfaction as compared to their hereditary profession was found to be low. Despite the ban, snake charming is still in practice but it is practiced by few members of the community that too occasionally. There has been fall in their income as compared to earnings they got from snake charming. The paper concludes with the note that efforts should be made to strike balance between conservation of wildlife and preservation of cultural heritage of the community through sustainable alternatives.