The culture of indigenous people is an important field for research and study, stated Speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly, Shri Ramesh Tawadkar, at the World Tribal Day celebrations held at Institute Menezes Braganza, today. He was speaking as the Chief Guest at the valedictory function. Shri Tawadakar, who is also the Chairperson of the Goa Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes said that if we focus on our tribal knowledge which is so vast, we will be making it our strength, he said reiterating the need to study and protect the culture of indigenous people. He cited the example of traditional agrarian knowledge of the tribal community and said that it is subject of study of even scientists and added that if we find ways to add value to this knowledge it could generate huge benefits for the community.
The Minister lauded those who are working for development of ST community in Goa and who were feted on the occasion.
On the occasion, a quiz competition was held for students of Higher Secondary Schools (HSS) on the topic ‘Bhagwan Birsa Munda: Life and Contribution to the Freedom Struggle and Tribal Rights’. Harmal Panchakroshi Higher Secondary School and Institute of Vocational Studies, Harmal bagged the first prize. St Andrew HSS, Vaddem, Vasco was adjudged the second prize winner while the third place went to St Xavier’s HSS, Mapusa.
The first consolation prize was awarded to Shri Damodar HSS, Margao, while the second consolation prize went to Shree Mallikarjun HSS, Canacona. The third consolation prize went to Dr KB Hedgewar HSS, Curti, Ponda. Shri Naguesh Sardessai was the quiz master.
The guest of honour, Director of Education, Shri Shailesh Sinai Zingade, commended the organizers for holding a quiz contest and said it was a novel medium to propagate the ideals of the great Indian tribal leader and activist, Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
World Tribal Day is observed on August 9 dedicated to recognizing the the contributions and cultures of indigenous people.
Earlier, Commissioner of Labour and Employment, Shri Levinson Martins, while speaking as the Chief Guest at the inaugural function said that the youth are the future of the nation and told the youth gathered that they can be the change they want to be and that everyone has the capacity to excel in any field if one had the determination and self-belief. He urged the students to emulate the ideals of Bhagwan Birsa Munda and asked teachers to be proactive in counseling students in the proper direction.
Present on the occasion were Chairperson, Goa Commission for SC/ST, Shri Deepak Karmalkar, Director of Tribal Welfare and Secretary/CEO, Goa Commission for SC/ST, Shri Dasharath Redkar, Director of Art and Culture, Shri Sagun Velip, Director of Directorate of Sports and Youth affairs, Shri Arvind Khutkar, among others.
