Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) Department of Humanities and Social Sciences is organising a Conference on ‘Tribal Resistance, Resilience and Reimagining Future: Celebrating 150 Years of Bhagwan Birsa Munda’ on 21st and 22nd June 2025.

 

  

The conference featurea scholars, and community leaders engaging with themes of tribal history, resistance movements, identity, and future possibilities.

 

Addressing the event, Chief Guest Shri Indrasena Reddy Nallu, Hon’ble Governor of Tripura, said that the indigenous knowledge of the tribe of India needs integration with the modern life styles including science and technology. He highlighted the schemes of the Government of India for the upliftment and preservation of people, legacy, and heritage of the tribal communities of the nation.  

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. V. Kamakoti the Director of IIT Madras highlighted this event as the first tribal conference of IIT Madras. He underlined the contributions of Bhagwan Bisra Munda during the freedom struggle and his help towards the people as a doctor. The director also emphasized the need of research in various aspects of life among our tribal population.

As part of ‘Janjatiya Gaurav’ (Tribal Pride) celebration, a Cultural Evening was being held on 21st June in the campus, showcasing tribal art and cultural performances from tribal groups of the Nilgiri Hills and Northeast East India.

Highlighting the importance of this program, Prof. Rajesh Kumar, Head, , Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, IIT Madras, Prof Sathyanarayan N. Gummadi, Dean (Students), IIT Madras, said, “Tribal movements in the history of modern India are symbols of resilience and resistance against the ruthless colonial oppression. In this grand celebration we have focused on a wide range of topics including the life and the legacy of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. We are hosting eighty speakers across the globe.” 

He welcomed all attending the conference on behalf of the department.

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(Release ID: 2138545)