The Centre for Tribal Studies (CTS) at the University of Delhi commemorated the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda by hosting an inter-collegiate essay writing and painting competition leading up to Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, celebrated on November 16, 2024. Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Smt. S Phangnon Konyak graced the event. She is the first tribal woman from Nagaland elected to the Rajya Sabha and an esteemed alumnus of Delhi University. In her keynote address, she commended the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s efforts to spotlight the contributions of unsung tribal heroes in nation-building. She also emphasised the importance of tribal studies and potential partnerships between academia and government. In her welcome remarks, Dr. Avitoli G. Zhimo, Joint Director of CTS, advocated for maintaining the agency of tribal communities in today’s fast-evolving world. Prof. Soumendra M. Patnaik, Director of CTS, reflected on the inspiring life and legacy of Bhagwan Birsa Munda and reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to adopting an India-centric perspective in tribal studies. Prof. Balaram Pani, Dean of Colleges and Chair of the event, highlighted the value of Indigenous knowledge, which has sustained tribal communities for generations. The event also featured captivating performances of tribal and folk dances and an inspiring skit about Birsa Munda, presented by students from the Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Music, and Miranda House. Additionally, short reels on the tribes of India, created by Laxmibai College students as part of their internships under CTS and in alignment with NEP 2020, were screened during the program. Students, faculty, and principals from various colleges and departments across the university attended the event. The essay writing and painting competitions, held before the main event, attracted over 200 participants from Delhi University. In the essay competition, Pratyashee Das (Department of Anthropology), Vipraja Rao (Department of English), and Anusha Garg (Lady Shri Ram College) secured the first, second, and third prizes, respectively. In the painting competition, David Kamlianmang Simte (Rajdhani College), Saakshi Gurjar (Indraprastha College for Women), and Harish Oraon (Ramanujan College) claimed the top three positions. The competitions centred around the theme of Bhagwan Birsa Munda's life and contributions. The Centre for Tribal Studies will continue to organise events to honour Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s 150th birth anniversary as per the directives of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India.
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INTER-COLLEGIATE ELOCUTION COMPETITION ‘Role of Tribal freedom fighters in Nation building'
24 November 2023

Department of Anthropology in collaboration with Centre for Tribal Studies, University of Delhi organised a day-long celebration of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas on 24 November 2023. Students from different departments of the University of Delhi – Political Science, History, Sanskrit, Botany, Cluster Innovation Centre and students from colleges like Indraprastha, Miranda House, Sri Venkateswara, Hansraj, Lakshmibai, Motilal Nehru, and Dayal Singh participated in an elocution competition.

Students spoke on the topic ‘Role of Tribal freedom fighters in Nation building’. It covered the unsung tribal heroes from different parts of India - Sido Kanhu Murmu, Tilka Manjhi, Budhu Bhagat, Laxman Nayak, Komaram Bheem, Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu, Rani Gaidinliu, Rani Durgavati etc.

Pratyashee Das (Hansraj college), Eldhose K (Hansraj college) and Yuktha K (Laxmibai college) won the first, second and third respectively in the elocution competition. All the participants received the certificate of appreciation.


DELHI UNIVERSITY CENTRE FOR TRIBAL STUDIES AND IGNCA COMMEMORATE 'JANJATIYA GAURAV DIWAS'
15 November 2023, Conference Centre, University of Delhi

The Centre for Tribal Studies at the University of Delhi, in collaboration with the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), celebrated 'Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas' on November 15, 2023, to commemorate the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
During the event, Prof. Shri Prakash Singh, Director, South Campus emphasized the vital role of the Centre for Tribal Studies at Delhi University, highlighting the prevalent lack of awareness within academia and the broader public regarding the tribals' significant contributions to India's independence struggle. He announced a substantial seed grant of 50 lakhs for the centre, with forthcoming fellowships and projects aimed at fortifying research and documentation of India's tribes. Chief Guest Prof. Balaram Pani highlighted the discipline and precision exhibited by Bhagwan Birsa Munda at a young age. Drawing parallels, he elucidated the scientific knowledge possessed by tribal communities involved in the construction of the iron pillar at Qutub Minar and components of the Konark Temple, emphasizing the relevance of indigenous tribal knowledge. Renowned folk artist and theatre director Shri. Anirudha D. Wankar delivered an enlightening lecture on 'Zhadipatti Rangbhoomi,' illustrating how folk art serves as a means to express the life stories and contributions of tribal heroes like Bhagwan Birsa Munda.

Prof. SM Patnaik, Director of the Centre for Tribal Studies, emphasized the need for an India-centric approach to the study of tribes, outlining the vision for the newly established centre. He stressed the idea of interdisciplinarity to make tribal studies holistic. An exhibition titled 'The Contribution of Tribal Leaders of India in Nation-Building,' was presented, highlighting the culturally significant heritage of tribal leadership. Ethnographic films focused on the indigenous knowledge systems of tribes were also screened, providing a comprehensive view of their cultural significance. Students from tribal communities, enrolled in various courses, actively took part in the event donning their traditional attire.