New Delhi: Former President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated the fourth edition of the tribal art exhibition titled “Silent Conversation: From Margins to the Centre” at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, on 9October,2025. The four-day event (October 9–12) is organised by the Sankala Foundation with support from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA).
This unique exhibition seeks to highlight the conservation ethos of India’s tribal and forest-dwelling communities, particularly those living around the country’s tiger reserves. By showcasing traditional art forms such as Gond, Warli, and Saura, the exhibition emphasizes the deep, symbiotic bond between humans, wildlife, and nature.
More than 50 tribal artists from 17 states are participating this year, presenting around 250 paintings and crafts from over 30 tiger reserves across India. The exhibition offers urban audiences an opportunity to understand indigenous perspectives on conservation, habitat protection, and sustainable coexistence. All proceeds from the art sales will directly benefit the artists.
Speaking about the exhibition’s broader purpose, organisers noted that it aims not only to celebrate the artistic heritage of tribal communities but also to explore alternative livelihoods, reducing dependence on forest resources while strengthening human-wildlife relationships.
On October 10, the foundation will host a National Conference on “Tribal Arts and India’s Conservation Ethos: Living Wisdom”, in collaboration with the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya (Bhopal) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). The conference will be inaugurated by Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, and will bring together policymakers, scholars, artists, and conservationists to discuss how indigenous knowledge systems can guide modern conservation strategies.
Cultural evenings featuring performances by artists from Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh are also planned on October 9 and 10, adding a vibrant dimension to the exhibition.
A Legacy of Conservation and Culture
Since its inception in 2023, Silent Conversation has grown into a national platform celebrating tribal wisdom and environmental stewardship. The first edition was inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu, the second by External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, and the third held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum following an Artists-in-Residence programme.
The series was conceptualised to mark 50 years of Project Tiger, with Sankala Foundation spearheading the initiative to promote sustainability, climate action, and cultural continuity. Over the years, it has evolved into a flagship event uniting art, conservation, and community engagement.
Also Read: Green Building Congress 2025 to Convene Global Experts at Mumbai’s Jio World Convention Centre