While development aims to improve lives, it has often ignored the voices of indigenous communities like the Adivasis in India. Even with legal protections, Adivasis continue to face challenges such as land loss, cultural suppression, and economic exclusion. This conference, Reclaiming Roots: The Adivasi Question, will explore how media, social movements, policies, and politics affect the development and well-being of Adivasi communities.
Our goal is to create meaningful discussions about the rights and aspirations of Adivasis while also looking for ways to include their cultural heritage and traditional knowledge in today’s governance and development policies. Participants from various fields—scholars, activists, policymakers, and media professionals—will come together to share ideas and identify practical ways to address challenges related to land ownership, resource management, social justice, and public representation.
This session will focus on the long history of struggles Adivasi communities have faced—like losing their land, cultural suppression, and exclusion from economic opportunities. It will also explore how colonial and post-colonial policies have impacted their lives. Discussions will highlight the value of traditional knowledge and how it can be part of sustainable development today.
Media plays a big role in shaping how people perceive Adivasi communities. This session will explore how media can either promote stereotypes or amplify authentic Adivasi voices. We’ll look at the challenges and opportunities that mainstream and digital media present in portraying Adivasi identities fairly. New media platforms will also be discussed as tools for advocacy and raising awareness.
Policies have a huge impact on Adivasi communities, especially in areas like land rights and resource management. This session will review existing policies and identify the gaps that limit Adivasi empowerment. Case studies will help us understand how certain policies have either supported or harmed these communities. We will also explore ways to ensure Adivasi participation in governance and decision-making processes.
Grassroots movements have been crucial in fighting for Adivasi rights. This session will feature case studies of successful movements in India and beyond. We’ll also look at the role of NGOs and civil society in supporting these efforts. Discussions will focus on strategies for building coalitions with other marginalized communities to strengthen advocacy and bring about real change.
Adivasi culture and traditional knowledge systems are central to their identity. This session will explore how these elements can be preserved and integrated into development strategies. We’ll discuss how traditional practices can help create sustainable solutions and strengthen resilience. Case studies of cultural revival initiatives will show how indigenous knowledge can fit into modern practices.
The conference aims to build a better understanding of the challenges Adivasi communities face and the opportunities for inclusive development. It will offer a platform for scholars, activists, policymakers, and media professionals to collaborate and create lasting networks for change.
Key outcomes will include:This conference is an important step toward recognizing the value of Adivasi voices in development. It emphasizes the need for policies and media representations that respect their contributions. By encouraging meaningful discussions and fostering collaboration, the conference aims to promote practices that reflect the rights and aspirations of Adivasi people.
We invite abstracts for presentations, panels, and workshops aligned with the conference themes. Submissions should include a title, a 250-300 word summary, and a brief bio of the presenter(s). Please send submissions to [email address will be shared soon] by [submission deadline will be announced soon].