365telugu.com online news,New Delhi, November 24, 2025: The National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, today inaugurated a vibrant three-day event titled “GI Tagged Tribal Art Workshop & Exhibition – Cultural Extravaganza” at New Delhi. Running from 24–26 November 2025, the programme aims to preserve and promote India’s rich Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged tribal art heritage.
The event brings together 139 talented students from Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) across the country, accompanied by 34 art and music teachers and 10 master artisans.
The inaugural ceremony began with the traditional lighting of the lamp. Shri Vipin Kumar, Joint Commissioner (Admin), NESTS, delivered the welcome address. Prof. Anil Kumar, Head of Department, Janapada Sampada Division, Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), gave a special address emphasising the deep civilizational roots of tribal art forms.
This was followed by remarks from Shri Bipin Raturi, Joint Commissioner (Civil), NESTS, and Shri Prashant Meena, Additional Commissioner, NESTS. Ajeet Kumar Srivastava, Commissioner, NESTS, delivered the inaugural address and formally declared the workshop open. Dr. Rashmi Chaudhary, Assistant Commissioner (Academic), NESTS, proposed the vote of thanks.
Cultural Showcase by Tribal Students
The inauguration featured mesmerising performances by EMRS students, reflecting the spirit of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat”:
- Dhemsa Dance from Odisha
- Jaunsari Dance from Uttarakhand
- Mizo Folk Dance from Mizoram
- Folk Vocal Solo from Dadra & Nagar Haveli
- Patriotic Song from Madhya Pradesh
Hands-on Training in GI-Tagged Art Forms
Renowned GI expert Ms. Shweta Menon of Truly Tribal conducted an insightful session on the importance of GI tags and is leading the intensive three-day workshop. Students are receiving practical training from master artisans in traditional GI-recognised art forms such as Gond, Warli, Madhubani, Pithora, Cheriyal, Rogan, Kalamkari, Pichwai, Aipan, Rangwali Pichora, Kangra, Basholi, and Mysore paintings, along with Bastar Dhokra and Kachchhi embroidery.
Aligning with National Vision
The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of integrating skill development, vocational education, and cultural preservation into mainstream learning. By equipping tribal students with expertise in GI-tagged arts, NESTS aims to nurture a new generation of young tribal artist-entrepreneurs, fostering cultural pride and sustainable livelihoods.
Public Invited to Experience Tribal Art
A special exhibition-cum-sale of artworks created by students, along with live art demonstrations and interactive sessions, is open to the public daily from 09:30 AM to 04:00 PM until 26 November 2025.
Art lovers, students, researchers, and the general public are encouraged to visit, appreciate, and support authentic Indian tribal art traditions.