Panel Discussion Explores "Tribal Philosophy of Sustainable Development"

New Delhi: The Bhagwan Birsa Munda Cell (BBMC) at IIT Delhi, established in August 2024 under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) and IIT Delhi, successfully organized events to commemorate Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas. This milestone celebration featured a high-profile panel discussion on 14th Nov 2024, on the theme "Tribal Philosophy of Sustainable Development", bringing attention to the critical role tribal communities play in fostering ecological balance and promoting sustainable practices.

The event marked a significant step in BBMC’s journey to advance its mission of promoting tribal contributions to national and global development. Participants, including academicians, policymakers, and students, left with valuable perspectives on the alignment of tribal wisdom with sustainable development goals.

The distinguished panel included:

• Shri Harsh Chauhan, Former Chairperson, National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST), who highlighted the profound sustainability principles inherent in tribal traditions and their modern-day relevance.

• Shri Lakshman Singh Markam, Additional Secretary, Office of Chief Minster, Govt and Commissioner TRI, Bhopal Madhya Pradesh, provided firsthand insights into how tribal practices can inspire inclusive development strategies.

Prof. V.M. Chariar, CRDT, IIT Delhi, who discussed innovative methods for integrating tribal philosophies into mainstream sustainable development frameworks

The session was moderated by Prof. Vivek Kumar, Coordinator, BBMC Cell and professor at CRDT, IIT Delhi, who facilitated a dynamic discussion, emphasizing actionable pathways for leveraging janjatiya knowledge systems to address global challenges like climate change, resource management, and inclusive growth.

Speaking on the occasion, IIT Delhi Director, Prof. Rangan Banerjee, emphasized the significance of discussions on tribal philosophy and sustainable development. He assured institutional support to facilitate impactful initiatives through BBMC at IIT Delhi.

On November 7^th, the BBMC, IIT Delhi, had organized another compelling discussion on the theme "Reclaiming Histories: Tribal Leaders and Movements in India's Freedom Struggle” as its inaugural program.

The event brought together an esteemed panel of experts who illuminated the critical role of tribal leaders and movements in India’s freedom struggle:

• Prof. Rakatim Patar, Associate Professor, Centre for Historical Studies, School of Social Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), offered a historical perspective on tribal resistance movements and the enduring legacy of leaders like Birsa Munda and Sidho-Kanho.

• Dr. Piyashi Dutta, Assistant Professor, Amity School of Communication, Amity University, Noida, emphasized the importance of decolonizing narratives and media in amplifying tribal voices and reclaiming their histories within the national narrative.

• Shri Nartam Vivekanand Motiram, Faculty, Shyam Lal College, Delhi University, shared insights on grassroots tribal movements and their role in shaping India’s struggle for independence.

The discussion underscored the sacrifices and contributions of tribal communities in resisting colonial forces and the significance of bringing these often-overlooked narratives into the discourse through the lens of Asmita, Astitva and Vikas.

The event was attended by academicians, students, and policymakers, who engaged in thought-provoking discussions about the role of tribal communities in shaping India’s identity and their enduring relevance in today’s socio-political landscape.

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