Mysuru: The 3-day National Conclave on ‘Tribal languages and museums,’ organised under the joint aegis of Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL), Mysuru, ST Welfare Department of Government of Karnataka and the city’s Karnataka State Tribal Research Institute (KSTRI), began at Hotel Southern Star on Vinoba Road in city this morning.

Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Durgadas Uikey said, tribal languages play a key role in the expression of Indian heritage and culture.

Maintaining that tribals are deeply rooted in Indian culture, Uikey said, it is, however, important to bring this out in the form of expressions and this Conclave helps in that direction. The  Ministry will consider setting up of a permanent Tribal Museum in Mysuru, he added.

Tribal community members presenting a dance at the entrance of  Hotel Southern Star on Vinoba Road in city this morning.

Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs Joint Secretary Ananth Prakash Pandey, in his address, said that Tribal History embodies the stories of tribal communities, their opposition to outside forces, their knowledge and traditions, their bonding with the environment, nature, arts, etc. and their cultural practices.

Pointing out that the Ministry, apart from protecting the history of tribals, is working on providing a better future for tribals through social systems and enhancing their intellectual capabilities.

MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar said, there were many tribal communities, groups  and sub-groups  in the country and they are facing different types of problems.

“I will continue to work as a communication bridge  between tribal communities and the Centre in addressing the issues and problems they are facing and launching of new schemes for their upliftment,” he said adding that he felt honoured to be a Union Government’s representative in this regard.

Earlier, CIIL Director Prof. Basavaraja Kodagunti, who delivered the keynote address, said that the Concalve’s focus is on carrying out deeper studies on tribal languages.

Noting that India has the largest number of tribal languages, he said, studying the languages is key for understanding our history. “Every region in the country has its own history, which is distinct from each other in many ways. By understanding tribal languages, we can interpret the different forms of tribal practises and traditions. The CIIL is working in this direction and the Institute treats every Indian language and mother tongues with due importance,”   he said.

Karnataka ST Welfare Minister T. Raghumurthy and others were present. The Conclave will be held between 9 am and 6 pm till Aug. 26.