The National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), Ministry of Tribal Affairs, inaugurated a three-day “GI Tagged Tribal Art Workshop & Exhibition – Cultural Extravaganza” at New Delhi today. The event, being held from 24–26 November 2025, brings together selected 139 students from Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) across the country, along with 34 Art and Music teachers and 10 master artisans, to celebrate and promote India’s Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged tribal art traditions.

The inaugural ceremony commenced with the lighting of the lamp, followed by a welcome address by Shri Vipin Kumar, Joint Commissioner (Admin), NESTS. Prof. Anil Kumar, HoD, Janapada Sampada, IGNCA, delivered the special address highlighting the intrinsic civilizational connect of tribal art forms. This was followed by addresses from
Shri Bipin Raturi, Joint Commissioner (Civil), NESTS,
Shri Prashant Meena, Additional Commissioner, NESTS, and the inaugural address by Shri Ajeet Kumar Srivastava, Commissioner, NESTS, who formally declared the workshop open.
The ceremony concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Dr. Rashmi Chaudhary, Assistant Commissioner (Academic), NESTS.

Cultural Performances by EMRS Students

The inaugural session featured vibrant cultural presentations by EMRS students, including:
• Dhemsa Dance (Odisha)
• Jaunsari Dance (Uttarakhand)
• Mizo Folk Dance (Mizoram)
• Folk Vocal Solo (Dadra & Nagar Haveli)
• Patriotic Song (Madhya Pradesh)

These performances showcased the artistic brilliance of tribal youth and reflected the spirit of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat”.

Hands-on Training in GI-Tagged Art Forms

Renowned GI expert Ms. Shweta Menon (Truly Tribal) conducted a live session on the significance of GI-tagged arts and is leading the three-day intensive workshop. Students are receiving hands-on training in traditional GI-recognised art forms including Gond, Warli, Madhubani, Pithora, Cheriyal, Rogan, Kalamkari, Pichwai, Aipan, Rangwali Pichora, Kangra, Basholi, Mysore paintings, Bastar Dhokra, and Kachchhi embroidery, under the mentorship of master artisans.

Aligned with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s Vision

The initiative reflects the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s emphasis on integrating skill development, vocational education and cultural heritage into mainstream learning. By enabling tribal students to learn GI-tagged traditional art forms, NESTS is nurturing a generation of young tribal artist-entrepreneurs, strengthening cultural pride and enabling sustainable livelihoods.

Education as a Tool for Mainstreaming Tribal Youth

Through culturally grounded residential education, EMRSs serve as powerful institutions for fostering aspiration, empowerment and national integration among tribal children. Exposure to both modern academics and traditional artistry helps students develop a strong sense of identity and belonging, countering historical feelings of alienation in certain regions. The initiative instils a positive narrative of opportunity, dignity and progress.

Public Engagement

The event features a GI-tagged student art exhibition-cum-sale, interactive visitor engagements, and a Live Art Workshop open to the public daily from 09:30 AM to 04:00 PM.

The exhibition will remain open for public viewing from 24th–26th November 2025. Art enthusiasts, students, researchers and visitors are invited to witness and support authentic Indian tribal art.

********

RN/

(Release ID: 2193485) Visitor Counter : 269