NEW DELHI, Nov 27:
The nature-loving songs of India’s hinterlands, folk tales of the forest communities, and a dialogue over how, or how not, to exploit the natural resources of the land.
All this and much more will be part of a three-day festival of tribal culture and traditions being hosted by the Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Smriti in the capital from tomorrow.
Besides bringing to the busy life of a metropolis glimpses of the rich and vibrant tribal culture of the country, the second edition of the Adivasi Sanskriti Sangam, is also an attempt to highlight issues affecting the life and society of tribals in a rapidly growing economy.
The event will bring together more than 20 tribal teams from different parts of the country.
November also sees the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, the 19th century tribal leader who rose during the British rule, making it an apt month for a celebration of India’s tribal heritage.
“Gandhi’s canvas was very big. In fact while travelling to Jharkhand once, I was told by someone that the Mahatma’s way of living and his attitude of respect towards nature and its resources was very much like that of adivasis,” said Dr Mani Mala, Director of GSDS.
“Under the banner of Mahatma Gandhi’s name it becomes easy for anyone and everyone to come together,” she told while talking about the initiative.
With the Maoist insurgency spreading in the tribal hinterlands, the event will also bring together representatives of tribals besides other thinkers and experts to debate about the pressing issues facing the community today.
While last year in the inaugural edition, the experts came together to talk about survival issues for tribals, this time the ‘Jan Sansad’ will see a discussion on the pertinent question of natural resource management in the Adivasi culture.
“It is a time when we are witnessing tensions and violence flare in different states and loot of jungle property. Unless we find mechanisms to connect and platforms to express, these tensions will not subside,” she said.
The Sangam is therefore more than a festival—a resolve to struggle for a better life, culture and nature.
The festival will be inaugurated on November 28 by Governors of Bihar, Orissa and Tripura—Devanand Konwar, Murlidhar Chandrakant Bhandare, and Dnyandeo Yashwantrao Patil and Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region and Parliamentary Affairs Paban Singh Ghatowar.
Ministry for Culture Chandresh Kumari is also expected to attend the event. (PTI)
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