Bhopal: The 8th Tribal Literature Festival kicked off with great enthusiasm at the Indira Gandhi National Museum, celebrating the richness of tribal heritage. Minister for Tribal Affairs of Madhya Pradesh, Kunwar Vijay Shah, graced the event as the Chief Guest, alongside Prof. Chandra Charu Tripathi, Director of NITTTR Bhopal, and Prof. Sarit Kumar Chaudhary, Vice-Chancellor of Alipurduar University. Representing the museum were Dr. Suryakumar Pandey and Sudhir Srivastava. The inauguration began with a ceremonial lamp lighting, followed by a heartfelt welcome to the dignitaries with shawls, mementos, and floral greetings.
Shri Kunwar Vijay Shah, in his address, remarked, “The true essence of this festival lies in your participation. Instead of bouquets, let’s gift books or plants—symbols of knowledge and life.”
Engaging panel discussions
The festival featured thought-provoking panel sessions:
– “Tribal Filmmaking: Inclusive Narratives and Voices” – Led by filmmaker Rajesh Badal
– “Globalization: Tribal Literature and Culture” – Chaired by Prof. Sarit Kumar Chaudhary
– “Myths, Folktales, and Epics: The Foundation of Tribal Literature” – Led by Mahadev Toppo
Cultural extravaganza
Attendees savored authentic tribal cuisine and explored a grand book exhibition featuring rare tribal literature. The evening came alive with captivating Kalbelia and Ghoomar performances, leaving the audience spellbound.
This festival marks a significant step in elevating tribal literature and culture onto the national stage, fostering deeper appreciation and recognition.
