The National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, successfully wrapped up its three-day National Level GI-Tagged Tribal Art Workshop & Exhibition – Cultural Extravaganza at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), New Delhi. The event was held from 24–26 November 2025, bringing together 139 EMRS students, 34 art and music teachers, and 10 nationally recognised master artisans from across India.
A Platform to Celebrate Tribal Art & Inspire Skill Development
The initiative aimed to provide tribal students with hands-on exposure to India’s Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged tribal and traditional art forms, strengthening cultural identity, creativity, and vocational skills.
The inaugural ceremony featured traditional lamp lighting and remarks by Shri Ajeet Kumar Srivastava, Commissioner, NESTS, who highlighted the cultural significance embedded in India’s tribal art heritage.
Vibrant Cultural Performances
Students from various EMRSs delivered energetic performances including Dhemsa Dance (Odisha), Jaunsari Dance (Uttarakhand), Mizo Folk Dance (Mizoram), vocal folk music (Dadra & Nagar Haveli), and a patriotic song from Madhya Pradesh—showcasing the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.
Intensive Training in GI-Tagged Tribal Art Forms
Master artisans conducted live demonstrations and hands-on sessions in a rich array of art traditions such as:
- Gond
- Warli
- Madhubani
- Kalamkari
- Pithora
- Cheriyal
- Rogan Painting
- Bastar Dhokra
- Kachchhi Embroidery
- Pichwai
- Aipan
- Rangwali Pichhora
- Kangra, Basholi & Mysore Art
These sessions helped students understand motifs, techniques, symbolism, and cultural narratives aligned with NEP 2020’s focus on experiential, art-integrated learning.
Strengthening Unity Through Art
Students from diverse regions—spanning the Northeast, Central, Western, Himalayan, and Southern India—collaborated through shared learning, performances, and interactive sessions, reinforcing national integration and cultural appreciation.
Grand Exhibition & Closing Ceremony
On the final day, a live exhibition showcased:
- GI-tagged artworks created during the workshop
- GI process demonstrations
- Traditional artefacts
- Creative student counters
Remarkably, all 173 student paintings were sold, marking a strong public response and appreciation for their craftsmanship.
The valedictory ceremony was attended by Ms Ranjana Chopra, Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, who encouraged students to leverage these skills for future livelihood opportunities alongside their academic growth. Students from Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Mizoram, Sikkim, and Madhya Pradesh added colour to the event with cultural performances. Awards were presented to outstanding student artists and performers.
Engaging the Public
A daily live art workshop (09:30 AM–04:00 PM) invited visitors, students, researchers, families, and art enthusiasts to interact with artisans and learn about GI-tagged crafts.
NESTS’ Continuous Commitment
NESTS reaffirmed its commitment to:
- preserving indigenous art traditions
- promoting culturally rooted education
- building vocational skills
- fostering creative and entrepreneurial growth
- shaping confident tribal youth as cultural ambassadors of New India
The GI-Tagged Tribal Art Workshop & Exhibition stands as a milestone in empowering tribal students with culturally grounded, future-ready skills.
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