World Indigenous Peoples' Day celebrated in Tripura
AGARTALA: An event was held at an auditorium in Agartala Sunday to commemorate World Indigenous Peoples' Day themed "Indigenous Peoples: Guardians of Tripura's Forest Ecosystem." Jointly organised by the IGDC-CIFLATT, SCATFORM and ELEMENT projects under the Forest Department, the event highlighted the integral role of indigenous communities in forest conservation.
Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma who graced the occcasion as a Chief Guest stressed the respect indigenous people deserve and their deep connection to the forest ecosystem underscoring their importance as key protectors of forest resources.
RK Samal, PCCF of the Forest Department, commented on the relevance of World Indigenous Peoples' Day while celebrating the diverse cultures of the 19 tribal clans in the state. The occasion also feliciated nine scholars for their distinguished contributions to literature, culture and social service.
Attendees included Bhanumati G, CEO of the SCATFORM Project, K Shashi Kumar, Secretary of the State Government and poet Bikash Roy Debbarma. The event showcased traditional indigenous handicrafts by various self-help groups and included a captivating cultural performance by tribal artists.