IIAS celebrates Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas honoring Bhagwan Birsa Munda
The Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS) commemorated Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas with a vibrant event paying homage to the iconic tribal leader Bhagwan Birsa Munda. Held in the Institute’s Seminar Room, the occasion brought together renowned scholars, Fellows, Associates, and other dignitaries to reflect on the contributions of tribal communities to India’s cultural and historical heritage.
The program was presided over by Prof. R C Sinha, National Fellow at IIAS, who chaired the event. In his address, Prof. Sinha emphasized the enduring relevance of Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s legacy in fostering justice, equality, and cultural preservation.
The highlight of the event was a special lecture delivered by Prof. Sachidananda Mohanty, National Fellow at IIAS and former Vice-Chancellor of the Central University of Odisha. Prof. Mohanty, an acclaimed academic with a global reputation, presented his lecture titled “Beyond the Colonial Gaze: Vignettes of Tribal Writing Today”.
In his lecture, Prof. Mohanty delved into the richness of tribal narratives, shedding light on their role in shaping contemporary discourses on justice, equality, and sustainability. He emphasized the need to revisit tribal literature and oral traditions to break free from colonial biases and stereotypes, advocating for a more inclusive and democratic understanding of these communities’ contributions.
The lecture also highlighted how colonial anthropology and ethnography marginalized tribal voices, leading to cultural erasure. Prof. Mohanty called for a renewed critical framework to address these historical injustices and better appreciate the tribal ethos.
The event also underscored the significance of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, celebrated annually to mark Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary. Prof. Sinha, in his remarks, reminded the audience of the sacrifices and contributions of tribal leaders in India’s freedom struggle and urged society to work towards preserving tribal cultures and addressing socio-economic inequalities.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Akhilesh Pathak, Public Relations Officer of IIAS, who moderated the program. He extended gratitude to Prof. Sinha, Prof. Mohanty, and all attendees for their active participation in making the celebration a success.
The lecture was streamed live on Cisco Webex and the IIAS Facebook page, allowing a broader audience to engage with the discussions. The complete recording of the event can be accessed at https://fb.watch/w3-zR1xynL/.
This celebration of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas is part of IIAS’s ongoing commitment to promoting cultural inclusivity and fostering scholarly dialogue on India’s diverse heritage.
