IIT Bhubaneswar in association with the National Commission For Scheduled Tribes (NCST) successfully organized a Colloquium on the Contribution of Tribal Leaders in the Indian Struggle for Independence, on 3rd September 2022 at IIT Bhubaneswar. It was preceded by an informative exhibition of portraits of the Tribal Freedom Fighters.

The colloquium was graced by Shri Bishweswar Tudu, Hon’ble Minister of Tribal Affairs, and Minister of Jal Shakti, Govt. of India. He motivated the students with his energetic demeanor and emphasized the significance of remembering our tribal leaders' struggles for advancing in life. He spoke about how different government programmes brought tribal community closer to mainstream society. He spoke about how the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee initiated many schemes for the first time. He also shared his personal experiences of deriving  motivation to do great work for society from the great tribal leaders of freedom struggle. He enthusiastically replied queries from the audiences. 

Shri Sanatana Majhi, president, Bhanj Disom Parghana Mohal, shed light on the rebellions, movements, uprisings, individual struggles and unsung heroes from the tribal communities. 

Prof. Milind Dandekar informed the gathering about the objectives and motivations of NCST. He emphasized role of Indian Constitution in shaping up the various welfare measures for the community. 

A very informative video clip of NCST was played to the audience to highlight the different activities of the commission. 

The chief patron, Prof. V. K. Tewari, Hon’ble Director, IIT Bhubaneswar, focused on the role of the education system in protecting and developing our great nation. He narrated how gurukuls were systematically destroyed by the colonial era to churn out clerks rather than researchers. How the text books emphasized more on the events outside of the country rather than our own culture and diversity. 

Dr. Dukhabandhu Sahoo, Head, School of Humanities, Social Sciences and Management, IIT Bhubaneswar, delivered the vote of thanks. In the vein of celebrating the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav this year, this occasion revisited our ancestors’ tales of valor and patriotism.