The Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) today celebrated the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. As part of the celebrations, floral tributes were offered at the statues of tribal freedom fighters on the KISS campus. Students paid homage to their ancestors and elders by playing various traditional tribal instruments.
In his address, KISS Pro-Chancellor Prof. Amareswar Galla, Pro-Chancellor, KISS-DU, emphasized the necessity of adequate representation of indigenous peoples in leadership and policy-making roles. He highlighted the importance of valuing their voices, especially in matters related to climate change, as indigenous peoples play a crucial role in this area.
Participating virtually, Director of Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya Prof Amitabh Pandey stressed the need to preserve the arts, culture, traditions, and languages of indigenous communities while promoting their social and economic development. He underscored the importance of changing the colonial mindset towards indigenous peoples.
KISS University Vice Chancellor, Prof Deepak Kumar Behera, stated that the primary objective of celebrating this day is to raise awareness about the rights of indigenous peoples, promote their rights and justice, and preserve their culture and languages. The event aims to empower indigenous communities.
Among the attendees were KISS Registrar Dr. Prashanta Routray, Professor Neil Philip from New York City University, KISS University Director General and Chief of the Tribal Advisory Council, Dr. Kahnu Charan Mahali, Council Member Dr. Arpana Premi Lina, and various professors from KISS University.
The event also saw the participation of a delegation of students and faculty from New York City University, who were visiting India as part of the “India Trek” program.