Tholkudi: A Conference on Tribal Cultural Heritage

Opportunity brief

Why this event matters for exhibitors

Tholkudi: A Conference on Tribal Cultural Heritage, held at the Keystone Foundation in Kotagiri, India, focused on the preservation and promotion of tribal cultural heritage. The event was organized by the Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu in collaboration with the Centre for Social Justice and Equity — Madras School of Social Work. The conference aimed to provide policy direction for safeguarding tribal cultural heritage in Tamil Nadu, converting policy frameworks into actionable schemes and programs that ensure the sustainability of this heritage.The two-day conference featured 20 plenary sessions structured around six key topics. Researchers from across India participated, along with experts from UNESCO and tribal administration who delivered plenary addresses. Delegates from diverse fields such as anthropology, linguistics, folklore, and museology presented policy papers addressing various thematic issues surrounding tribal heritage. The event showcased traditional tribal art forms, including Alu Kurumba paintings and Toda embroidery, alongside musical instruments from the Kota tribe. Performances of tribal arts and dances from three different tribal groups – Kani and Kurumans – highlighted the importance of music and dance in reflecting the symbols and beliefs of tribal cultures and in passing down traditions to future generations.A notable aspect of the conference was the discussion surrounding tribal research methodologies. There were differing opinions on whether only those with formal training in anthropology should conduct tribal research or if local community members could effectively collect comprehensive information. Many attendees leaned towards the latter, emphasizing the value of including community perspectives in research efforts. The discussions underscored the critical connection between the preservation of tribal languages and the knowledge of tribal communities, reinforcing the idea that the loss of lang