Tribals from across the world on Monday gathered at Central University of Jharkhand (CUJ) campus to showcase their various cultural aspects, including dance, song, food, handicrafts, photographs and education during the three-day annual tribal fest ‘Akhra’.
Highlighting the relevance of the meet, Dr Zoya Karanovic of Serbia’s University of Novi who was the guest of honour said, “We must respect our culture from the grassroot. Else, time is not far when human will become slave to technology.” “For instance tribals across the world worship trees, a custom prevalent among all the tribes,” Dr Karanovic added.
Supporting Karanovic, Rajiv Gandhi Tribal University (Rajasthan), IG T C Demor stressed on the need of bringing tribals into the mainstream by imparting them education and technological knowledge. “It is our duty to do a deep research on the livelihood of indigenous people existing within our area,” he said.
Notably, former Chief Minister Shibu Soren and assembly Speaker Shashank Shekhar Bhokta had confirmed to attend this programme but failed to show their presence.
Open air dance performances from Munda Tribe, Song and Drama Division (Jharkhand), Mandar College (Jharkhand), Tea Tribe (Assam), War Jaintia Tribe (Meghalaya), Jhumri Dance (Odisha), Koya Tribe (Andhra Pradesh), Mavilan Tribe (Kerala), Oraon lok Nritya (Jharkhand) and Mahua Jari Group(Jharkhand) were presented here.
Also, held were tribal folk games like bamboo tree climbing, cock fighting, churi-cheero (female) and archery display. Documentary film screening, cultural programs by different tribal troops, fashion show, art and craft exhibition along with food exhibition were also presented.
According to CUJ Vice Chancellor DT Khathing Akhra is not only a get-together for enjoyment and making merry, but it should be taken as an opportunity to know, read and study culture, tradition, interests and challenges of different tribal groups.
So far 18 participants and resource persons from foreign countries comprising Thailand, Bhutan, Nepal, Taiwan, Malaysia, Serbia and Yemen have arrived here to take part in the festival and at least 500 participants from across the country are bracing to showcase respective rich tribal cultural and social life here.