Seminar in State Capital Explores Tribal Life and Wisdom

Rapid Summary:

• A two-day national seminar focusing on tribal communities’ cultural and everyday life will commence at the Loyola College of Social Science, Sreekaryam on Thursday.
• Seminar titled ‘Glimpses of tribal life: Knowledge and intangible expressions’ will be inaugurated by Minister for Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes O.R.Kelu.
• Renu Raj, Director, Scheduled Tribes Growth Department, to preside over the inaugural function; historian Sanal Mohan will deliver the keynote address.
• Organized by Loyola College’s MSW Disaster Management Department in collaboration with Kerala Institute for Research, Training and Development Studies (KIRTADS), Kozhikode.
• Participants include activists, scholars, artists, ethnic food experts, tribal healers, and community representatives from Kerala and beyond.
• Activities include academic paper presentations nationwide; thematic panel discussions; interactive sessions with tribal community members; exhibition showcasing artworks, handicrafts, indigenous knowledge systems curated by tribal experts.
• On Day 2 (observing World Indigenous Peoples’ Day), online keynote lectures to be delivered:

– G.N. Devy on Existential crises faced by India’s tribal communities.
– Zoe Todd (Canadian scholar) on the Loss of sovereignty among indigenous peoples in Western Canada.

Indian Opinion Analysis:

The seminar highlights a multidimensional approach to understanding tribal life through cultural expressions as well as ecological and socio-political realities. The presence of academics alongside community representatives fosters an inclusive platform that emphasizes both scholarly research and lived experiences. Events such as interactive sessions are notable for bridging gaps between understanding theories about indigenous lives versus their reality.

Keynotes tackling existential concerns within India’s tribes-paired with broader perspectives like Canadian indigenous sovereignty-indicate an effort to contextualize local challenges within global paradigms. Such dialog could inform policies aiming at preserving heritage while addressing modern challenges like erosion of rights or ecological impacts affecting these communities.

This initiative might pave pathways toward better long-term support systems for marginalized groups through its thorough discussions involving policymakers like Renu Raj along with grassroots activists. Examinations into cultural output further underline how sustaining crafts can bolster economic independence within tribes facing potential disenfranchisement from mainstream economies.

Read More: Published August 05th 2025