August 9, 2026, Kalinganagar: Adivasi Milita Manch, Sukinda, Jajpur, in association with Tata Steel Foundation, Kalinganagar, observed the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples at Jamposhi, Nadiabhanga Football Ground, Kalinganagar on Sunday. In line with this year’s theme “Honouring Indigenous Midwives: Safeguarding Life and Well-being,” the programme brought together around 1,500 community members to celebrate indigenous identity, culture, traditional knowledge and community heritage.
The programme was attended by several distinguished guests, including Mr Shyam Sundar Hansdah, DIG (Retd.), Bhubaneswar; Mr Uttam Singh, Vice President – Operations, Tata Steel Kalinganagar (TSK); Mr Rajendra Kalundiya, Chairman, Special Development Council (SDC), Jajpur; Ms Dasama Jarika, Vice President, Special Development Council (SDC), Jajpur; Mr Rabindra Kumar Jamuda, President, Tata Steel Kalinganagar Workers’ Union; Mr Ravi Marik, Chief Corporate Services, TSK; and Ms Rashmita Sahoo, Sarpanch, Nadiabhanga.
The dignitaries spoke on the importance of preserving indigenous knowledge, culture, language and identity, while highlighting the role of communities in sustaining their heritage for future generations.
As part of the celebrations, a series of pre-event activities, including movie screenings, quiz, essay writing and poster-making competitions, were organised across tribal hamlets and educational institutions. Tribal youth and students of language centres actively participated in these initiatives, promoting awareness of indigenous culture and heritage.
A key highlight of the programme was the felicitation of indigenous midwives from tribal villages in and around Kalinganagar, recognising their invaluable contribution to maternal and community health and their role in preserving traditional healthcare knowledge. Winners of various competitions, talented tribal youth, Tribal Leadership Programme alumni, and students of ‘Ol Chiki’ and ‘Warang Chiti’ language centres were also felicitated on the occasion.
The celebration showcased the vibrant cultural traditions of indigenous communities through traditional music, dance and performances. During the celebration, Adivasi Youth Club, Mirgichara, presented a socially relevant skit on early marriage and blind faith, that was appreciated by dignitaries. The event also featured traditional tribal food, indigenous attire and musical instruments, along with community discussions on preserving tribal culture, language and heritage. The celebration concluded with a collective resolve to safeguard indigenous knowledge, culture, language and identity and pass these living traditions on to future generations.
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