The City has a Festival to Promote Tribal Literature

Explore the rich tapestry of tribal literature at the cultural diversity-focused festival. Over 2,000 publications and 1,600 authors celebrate indigenous voices and stories.

on Dec 20, 2023

The City has a Festival to Promote Tribal Literature | Frontlist

On Monday, a literary festival promoting works dedicated to tribal people, land, and culture was opened, with over 2,000 publications and the involvement of over 1,600 authors from across the country.

The Ramdayal Munda Tribal Welfare Research Institute and a commercial publishing firm are organising the event. It will run till December 24.

"The festival aims to bridge cultural gaps and provide a platform to celebrate the role played by tribal communities' literature in shaping the cultural landscape of the region, ensuring that their unique voices and stories resonate with a broader audience," said Mahadeo Toppo, author of "Jangal ka Paath."

Visitors can expect a broad selection of books, ranging from folklore to current works, representing the tribal groups' vivid cultural and linguistic diversity. "The enduring acceptance of a historical narrative characterised by dominance and subjugation compels us to bear the weight of a Eurocentric perspective," institute head Ranendra Kumar said. Anthropological publications frequently reduce tribals to a basic, untamed picture, which needs to be corrected."

Another writer, Sanjay Singh, stated, "There is a perception that tribal communities remain distinct from the mainstream." However, the history of each tribal tribe in the region has been documented, presenting them as part of a distinct civilisation and culture, undermining the notion of independence from the larger socioeconomic context."

"We hope to provide a platform for tribal writers and poets to share their works with a wider audience, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation for their contributions to literature," said Ved Prakash, the publishing group's Reginal manager. The programme also intends to foster the preservation and promotion of tribal languages for future generations."