Government Highlights Initiatives to Promote Tribal Culture in Odisha

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Bhubaneswar: In a recent speech to the Lok Sabha, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat described a number of programs designed to protect and advance Odisha's tribal culture. The minister promised that major efforts are being made to commemorate and protect the rich cultural history of tribal tribes, despite the fact that there are currently no plans to construct a specific Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) in the state. 

In response to a query from MP Balabhadra Majhi, Shekhawat detailed IGNCA's ongoing projects, which include documentation of tribal traditions through audiovisual recordings and written records, the creation of museum spaces, organization of cultural festivals, and provision of scholarships for tribal youth. These initiatives are meant to guarantee that tribal traditions and artistic expressions continue to play a significant role in India's cultural history. 

Assistance from Local Cultural Organisations 

Tribal and traditional art forms are greatly aided by the Bhubaneswar Regional Centre of the Lalit Kala Akademi. It gives artists from Odisha and surrounding states a strong stage on which to display their skills through art camps, exhibitions, and publications. Similarly, by organising festivals that showcase traditional tribal music and dance, such as Deshaj, Lok Jan Pratha Utsav, and Lok Sangam, the Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA) helps to preserve performing arts. 
To highlight the cultural diversity of tribal people, zonal cultural centres also work with state academies to host historic celebrations like the Hornbill Festival and the Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav. 

Initiatives for Tribal Research and Education 

Shekhawat highlighted the main initiatives of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, such as "Tribal Research, Information, Education, Communication, and Events" and "Support to Tribal Research Institutes." These programs fund 29 tribal research institutes across India and support activities such as creating bilingual dictionaries, documenting indigenous knowledge, and promoting tribal education. 
To empower tribal artisans, the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited (TRIFED) organizes events like the Adi Mahotsav festival and Tribal Artisan Empanelment Melas. These programs give indigenous business owners a way to connect with larger markets and guarantee that their traditional goods become well-known around the world. 

Honouring Tribal Heroes 

Shekhawat cited the government's 2021 designation of November 15 as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas as evidence of its dedication to respecting tribal traditions. In addition to commemorating the great contributions made by tribal tribes to India's cultural and historical fabric, this date also honours the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, a highly regarded tribal freedom warrior. 

A Joint Strategy for Cultural Conservation 

The minister emphasised how state agencies, zonal cultural centres, national akademis, and other government agencies work together to protect India's many tribal cultures. The government's commitment to creating an inclusive cultural ecology that honours and promotes the nation's indigenous history is demonstrated by these projects. 
The national government hopes that these coordinated initiatives would guarantee the survival and inspiration of Odisha's rich tribal culture for years to come.