In collaboration with Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya.and Indian Council of Social Science Research, New Delhi, a two-day national seminar on the cultural heritage of tribes for sustainable development was inaugurated today in the auditorium of Manav Sangrahalaya. Scholars from Gujarat, Delhi, Orissa, Assam, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh etc. have come to participate in this seminar.The main objective of the seminar is to highlight the cultural heritage of the tribes which is still in use and is beneficial.These heritages have to be linked to the currently running tribal development projects so that the outcome of development is sustainable, beneficial and inclusive.Throwing light on various aspects of the seminar, Professor SN Choudhary, Tagore Fellow and convener of the seminar, said that this dual relationship of cultural and natural heritage makes the conservation of both an integral part of sustainable development.
Special guest Shri Ram Prasad IFS, former Vice Chancellor of Barkatullah University, while giving information on the geographical location of Bhopal, threw light on the conservation of biodiversity and the characteristics of various tribal cultural heritage sites of Madhya Pradesh.And urged to encourage people to appreciate the value of nature and promote a sense of responsibility towards environmental protection.
Addressing the guest of honour, Shri Sanjay Prasad IAS, State Election Commissioner of Gujarat State, said that the makers of the Constitution of India have made special provisions for the protection of tribal culture and development of Scheduled Tribes.Social forestry, joint forest management, preservation of cultural traditions of tribal people in the Forest Act promote economic growth by inspiring creativity and innovation as well as heritage and sustainable development.
keynote speaker Prof. Sarit K Chaudhuri, an anthropologist from R.G. University, Arunachal Pradesh talked about the major issues involved related to Tribal Heritage and sustainable development. Taking examples from various states of North East India including Arunachal Pradesh.