A Workshop on Tribal Culture and Heritage was organized by ICAR-CIFA in collaboration with KISS Deemed to be University on 6th November 2025 in its premises. This joint programme was conducted as a pre-event to commemorate Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas 2025 to mark the 150th Birth Anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, under the theme “Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh Pakhwada Workshop” on Tribal Culture and Heritage. The vibrant workshop aimed to foster awareness, appreciation, and preservation of rich tribal art forms among the younger generation.
Since its inception, KISS-DU has been relentlessly working on protecting, promoting and preserving rich Indigenous culture, traditions, languages, literatures, resources, heritage, traditional knowledge systems and customs. Some of the initiatives undertaken to translate these into fruition are instituting Research Chairs on tribal freedom fighters and legends, inducting of Professors of Practice who are Indigenous knowledge practitioners from pristine tribal backgrounds.
A total of 150 students from various academic disciplines—Arts, Science, and Commerce represented higher secondary, undergraduate, and postgraduate levels enthusiastically participated in the workshop. The program was divided into two major segments: Visual Arts and Performing Arts, both designed to encourage creative expression while strengthening the participants’ connection to their cultural roots.
A plethora of joint activities were organized to mark the occasion.
Visual Arts Segment
The visual art activities included Saura Painting and Pot Painting, where around 40 students actively engaged in showcasing their artistic skills. The Saura paintings reflected the intricate motifs and symbolic patterns rooted in the traditions of the Saura tribe, while the pot paintings demonstrated the participants’ creativity in blending traditional tribal designs with modern aesthetics. These activities not only enhanced the aesthetic appeal of the event but also offered students a meaningful platform for artistic expression, cultural reflection, and skill development.
Performing Arts Segment
In the performing arts segment, around 110 students presented an energetic group dance performance, showcasing the distinct dance forms of various tribal communities, including the Santal, Munda, Dhemsa, Kandha, Kissan, and Oram. Dressed in their traditional attire the performers captivated the audience with rhythmic movements and vibrant music that celebrated tribal traditions, rituals, and festive spirit. The performances beautifully portrayed the unity in diversity among the tribal groups, serving as a poignant reminder of their rich cultural legacy.
The programme was co-ordinated by Scientists from ICAR-CIFA Dr.P.K.Meher, Dr. Ajit Chaudhury, Dr. Puspa Chaudhury, Dr.Chinamayee Muduli, Mr. Arun Behera and Mr Sai Prasad Mishra and KISS-DU was represented by Dr.Trpura Mishra, Associate Professor, Dr Arpana Premi Lina Oraon, Research Chair, Bhagwan Birsa Munda, and other faculty members of the University.
Overall, the workshop created a dynamic and inclusive platform where students not only explored their tribal identity but also celebrated the deep connection between art, heritage, and community life. The event successfully reinforced the importance of preserving indigenous knowledge systems and passing them on to future generations.
