The Contribution of Tribal Communities Has Been Significant in Every Era – Union Minister of State Durga Das Uikey
25th March, New Delhi: The 10th National Tribal and Folk Culture Literary Festival, organised by the Kalā Nidhi Division of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) in collaboration with the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya, Bhopal, commenced in a dignified atmosphere at the Samvet Auditorium of the Centre. Scheduled for 25–26 March 2026, the festival is themed ‘Celebrating Tribal Literature, Languages, Knowledge Traditions and Cultural Expressions.’
The inaugural session was graced by Shri Durga Das Uikey, Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Government of India, as the Chief Guest. The session was presided over by Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary, IGNCA. The Guests of Honour included Prof. K. K. Mishra, former Vice Chancellor of Utkal University of Culture, Bhubaneswar, and Prof. Sarit K. Chaudhuri, Vice Chancellor of Alipurduar University, West Bengal. The programme was introduced by Prof. Amitabh Pandey, Director, Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya, Bhopal. The welcome address was delivered by Prof. (Dr.) Ramesh C. Gaur, Dean and Head of the Kalā Nidhi Division, IGNCA, while the vote of thanks was proposed by Prof. K. Anil Kumar, Head of the Janapada Sampada Division, IGNCA.
In his address, Shri Durga Das Uikey described tribal literature and culture as an integral part of Indian civilisational consciousness and emphasised the need for their preservation and promotion. He remarked that the festival is not merely an event, but a living celebration of the folk and tribal ethos deeply embedded in the spirit of India. He noted that tribal narratives are not just sources of entertainment, but convey profound philosophical insights, ecological balance, social justice, collective values, and ethical principles.
He further observed that from ancient times to the present, the contribution of tribal communities has remained significant. References to tribal communities in the Rigveda indicate their deep-rooted presence in the making of Indian civilisation. Emphasising social harmony, he cited the episode of Sita’s swayamvara in the court of King Janaka, where no discrimination existed in the condition of lifting the bow, reflecting the foundational principle of equality in Indian society.
Highlighting the role of tribal communities in the freedom struggle, he referred to the sacrifices of numerous unsung heroes, including Bhagwan Birsa Munda, whose contributions are now receiving wider recognition. He noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sustained efforts are being made to acknowledge and honour such forgotten heroes. He also stressed that understanding tribal society is not merely an academic pursuit but a deeply experiential engagement. He called for integrating tribal culture, languages, and traditions into mainstream discourse.
Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi accentuated the role of institutions in documenting and disseminating tribal traditions, languages, and knowledge systems. He emphasised that tribal literature should find due representation in all major literary platforms in India. Highlighting the importance of preserving tribal languages, he informed that the Government of India is soon to initiate a dedicated programme for the research and development of scripts of tribal languages. He also appealed for collective participation in manuscript surveys, stating that transmitting linguistic and knowledge traditions to future generations is a shared responsibility.
In his welcome address, Prof. Ramesh Chandra Gaur informed that over 200 participants have registered for the conference. He remarked that the festival would initiate a renewed cultural awakening in the preservation and promotion of Indian languages and traditions. He highlighted the significant contributions of tribal communities in enriching Indian knowledge systems, noting that their way of life and ecological balance have guided the course of civilization.
Prof. K. K. Mishra spoke on the academic relevance of tribal knowledge traditions, while Prof. Sarit K. Chaudhuri reflected on the diversity and global significance of tribal literature. Prof. Amitabh Pandey emphasised the centrality of language in cultural continuity and called for a shift in colonial perspectives towards language. He noted that festivals such as this serve as vital platforms for such rethinking. Concluding the session, Prof. K. Anil Kumar expressed gratitude and stated that such collaborative initiatives would prove beneficial for the advancement of tribal communities.
On this occasion, two significant publications were released: ‘Reimagining Indian Anthropology: Past and Future’ by Prof. K. K. Mishra, and ‘The Cultural Heritage of Mizoram’ by Prof. Sarit K. Chaudhuri. These works are expected to contribute meaningfully to contemporary linguistic and cultural discourse.
The inaugural day also featured a keynote session on the theme ‘Voices of Tradition: Intangible Cultural Heritage of Tribal India,’ fostering in-depth discussions. The day concluded with an evening of cultural performances, offering vibrant glimpses of tribal arts and folk expressions. The upcoming sessions of the festival will include lectures and discussions on tribal literature, languages, cultural traditions, and knowledge systems, with participation from scholars, researchers, and artists from across the country.
