Moblienews24x7 Bureau
Just a day back the world commemorated the World Indigenous People Day which recounts the realities that normally we tend to ignore in the glare of modernity.
But an effort is always necessary to keep in mind that the youth of indigenous class are the torch bearers who can drive towards self-reliance with a special tenacity and help the community emerge from the woods of ignorance.
A Congress dedicated to the occasion worthy of the event and the initiative by the Kalinga Institute of Social Science(KISS) and its founder Dr Achyut Samanta was indeed a turning of a page in the annals of Anthropology given the fact that KISS remains a pioneering body at promoting and nurturing the Indigenous unlike many others.
The World Anthropology Congress (WAC) concluded today at KISS Deemed-to-be-University. Joining as the Chief Guest on the valedictory session Union Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda delivered a brilliant and meaningful speech on the greatest role of Emperor Ashoka on spreading world peace, his transformation on the great land of Kalinga and the intricate relationship of the cult of Jagannath and the tribal culture.
He said, the indigenous people should engage in self-reflection, researching on their own communities and it would be only possible through quality education. “If we could empower them with proper education then they would be able to solve their issues on their own,’’ he observed.
On establishing a world class museum for the indigenous people at KISS University, the Minister said “the Tribal Affairs Ministry is ready for this collaborative project, but it could only be initiated following a formal proposal from the Odisha Government.’’
Praising the efforts of the Founder of KIIT-KISS the Union Minister said, “Dr Samanta is the best human being in the world and he is a genuinely sensitive individual. He personifies how with determination, dedication, vision and selfless hard work success could be achieved and every one of us should learn this from him.’’
On learning Anthropology, he said “we have to interact with the indigenous people as they understand nature from very first day and without the Mother Nature our survival is also at stake.’’
In his address KITT-KISS Founder Dr Achyuta Samanta said “for World Anthropology Congress KISS is the ideal venue and best place for research on Anthropology’’. He recounted an international conference he attended in Europe, where a renowned Japanese anthropologist hailed KISS as the “largest anthropological laboratory of the world.”
Dr. Samanta also drew attention to the fact that KISS was home to 2,000 students from Jharkhand, the home state of Union Minister Arjun Munda. He proudly mentioned that the 2023 Class X topper was also from Jharkhand.
Vice-Chancellor KISS University and President of United India Anthropology Forum (UIAF) Prof Deepak Behera said “KISS University organised the WAC 2023 in collaboration with the UIAF, Delhi University, Utkal University and Sambalpur University. In the grand five-day event there were 350 sessions, 20 round-table meetings, 20 workshops and 120 panel discussions. From 51 nations around the world 1,100 anthropologists joined and presented 1,200 research papers. There were 8 pre congresses before the WAC and there will be 10 post-WAC.
Anand Singh, Professor of Anthropology at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, applauded Dr. Samanta’s leadership in providing free education opportunities to tribal students.
WAC Chairman and former Vice-Chancellor of Delhi University Prof PC Joshi said “this world congress was perhaps the most accessible and affordable anthropology congress ever. It dealt with all the aspects of the subject and KISS is the best place for it to happen. The Tribal Advisory Council, Professor of Practice like initiatives has made KISS unique.’’
Professor Charlotte Ann Roberts, a Fellow of the British Academy, Department of Archaeology Durham University, UK praised the astounding success of the Congress.
Prof. Amareswar Gala of the UNESCO Chair on Inclusive Museums and Sustainable Heritage Development Anant National University, Ahmedabad and Emeritus Faculty, Australian National University believed that the Congress would mark a turning point in tribal empowerment, enabling them to lead dignified lives. He recommended KISS to consider launching an international programme on applied museum anthropology, producing qualified professionals to manage tribal museums.
The Congress concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Prof. S Gregory, Secretary General of UIAF.
