Kalinganagar, August 9, 2025 – Tata Steel Foundation, Kalinganagar celebrated the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples with more than 2,000 community members at Tata Steel Birsa Munda Rehabilitation Colony, Gobarghati under Sukinda block in Jajpur district of Odisha on Saturday.
This year’s celebration, themed “Indigenous Peoples and AI – Defending Rights, Shaping Future”, aimed to honour the rich heritage, rights, and contributions of indigenous communities.
Padmashree Damyanti Besra, renowned Santhali writer, scholar and educator graced the occasion as Chief Guest along with Gunjal Ikir Munda, renowned academician, cultural advocate and social influencer, Krishna Chandra Bodra, renowned academician, cultural advocate and tribal languages and folklore expert, Debdoot Mohanty, Chief Corporate Services, Tata Steel Kalinganagar (TSK) and Jiren Xavier Topno, Head Tribal Culture and Collieries, Tata Steel Foundation.
A 27-member local committee comprising representatives from tribal communities and the Mohanta community played a pivotal role in the celebration ensuring the event truly reflects the local culture, voices, and aspirations.
The day featured vibrant programmes including film screenings in tribal hamlets and colleges, workshops on the role of artificial intelligence in defending indigenous rights, cultural performances, and a felicitation ceremony for talented tribal youth and alumni of the Tribal Leadership Programme (TLP). Various stalls were displayed showcasing traditional food, attire, instruments, and artefacts, highlighting the cultural diversity of the region.
Cultural performances included a socially relevant skit by the Adivasi Youth Club, Mirgichara, addressing issues such as early marriage, polygamy, and alcohol abuse. Ritual presentations by students and teachers from the Santhal and Ho Tribal Language Centre, and a traditional Akhara gathering, further celebrated the spirit of tribal culture.
Recognition and felicitation formed a central part of the celebration with awards presented to the talented young achievers and TLP alumni excelling in academics, individuals preserving tribal heritage and raising cultural awareness, and PRI members from tribal-dominated regions for their contributions to community development.
During the event, the dignitaries shared their experiences with the community members and asked everyone’s commitment to empower indigenous communities and safeguard cultural identity.
