Two-Day Conclave Highlights Stories of Empowerment and Excellence
The National Tribal Research Institute (NTRI) hosted a successful two-day National Conclave on Tribal Women Achievers, titled “Aadi Vyakhyan Series – 5: Empowering Tribal Excellence,” in New Delhi on March 8th and 9th, 2024.
Coinciding with International Women’s Day, the event celebrated the remarkable achievements of tribal women from across India. Around 200 women achievers participated, representing various fields like art, music, literature, sports, handicrafts, and traditional knowledge. Participants hailed from Assam, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Odisha, Mizoram, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Gujarat, and Delhi.
The Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Smt. R. Jaya, delivered the inaugural address. She lauded the tribal women achievers, emphasizing that empowering them through entrepreneurship is crucial for sustainable development. She stressed that tribal women’s contributions are vital to realizing the vision of a developed India (“Viksit Bharat”) through collective effort and trust (“Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas”).
Prof. Nupur Tiwary, Special Director of NTRI, welcomed the participants and highlighted the significance of the conclave. She stated that it serves as a platform to honour tribal women’s achievements, amplify their voices, and share their inspiring stories.
The event featured prominent achievers like Smt. Durgabai Vyam (Padma Shri awardee for Gond Painting), Smt. Raimati Ghiuria (“Queen of Millets”), Dr Anju Meena (National Gold medalist in International bodybuilding and Power Lifting), and Priyanka (National Women Kabaddi Player). Smt. Durgabai Vyam shared her artistic journey, while Smt. Raimati Ghiuria, a renowned Odia farmer, spoke about her dedication to millets.
The gathering included women entrepreneurs, self-help groups, artists, and artisans. A vibrant performance by tribal artists from Ladakh showcased their unique dance form, further enriching the event with a touch of cultural celebration. The artists dedicated their performance to raising awareness about women’s education.
