IIAS pays homage to Birsa Munda
The Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS) commemorated Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas with a vibrant event paying homage to the iconic tribal leader Birsa Munda. Held in the institute’s seminar room, the occasion brought together renowned scholars, fellows, associates and other dignitaries to reflect on the contributions of tribal communities to India’s cultural and historical heritage.
The programme was presided over by Prof RC Sinha, National Fellow at IIAS, who chaired the event. In his address, Prof Sinha emphasised the enduring relevance of Birsa Munda’s legacy in fostering justice, equality and cultural preservation.
Prof Sachidananda Mohanty, National Fellow at IIAS and former Vice-Chancellor of the Central University of Odisha, delivered a special lecture, titled “Beyond the Colonial Gaze: Vignettes of Tribal Writing Today”, on the occasion.
In his lecture, Prof Mohanty delved into the richness of tribal narratives, shedding light on their role in shaping contemporary discourses on justice, equality and sustainability.