New Delhi: The National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, on Monday inaugurated a three-day “GI Tagged Tribal Art Workshop & Exhibition - Cultural Extravaganza” here, bringing together 139 students from Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS), 34 art and music teachers, and 10 master artisans to celebrate India's GI-recognised tribal art traditions.

The event, being held from November 24 to 26, was inaugurated with the lighting of the lamp. Shri Vipin Kumar, Joint Commissioner (Admin), NESTS, delivered the welcome address, followed by a special address from Prof. Anil Kumar of IGNCA. Senior NESTS officials, including Joint Commissioner (Civil) Shri Bipin Raturi and Additional Commissioner Shri Prashant Meena, also spoke. Commissioner Shri Ajeet Kumar Srivastava formally opened the workshop.

The inaugural session featured cultural performances by EMRS students, showcasing Dhemsa (Odisha), Jaunsari (Uttarakhand), Mizo folk dance (Mizoram), a folk vocal solo from Dadra & Nagar Haveli and a patriotic song from Madhya Pradesh, reflecting the spirit of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat”.

GI expert Shweta Menon (Truly Tribal) is conducting hands-on training sessions in various GI-tagged art forms, including Gond, Warli, Madhubani, Pithora, Cheriyal, Rogan, Kalamkari, Pichwai, Aipan, Rangwali Pichora, Kangra, Basholi, Mysore paintings, Bastar Dhokra and Kachchhi embroidery, supported by master artisans.

Aligned with the Prime Minister's vision of skill-based and culturally rooted education, the initiative aims to nurture young tribal artist-entrepreneurs and strengthen cultural identity. EMRS institutions, NESTS said, play a crucial role in empowering tribal children and integrating traditional knowledge with modern learning.

The exhibition-cum-sale, along with live art demonstrations, is open to the public from 9.30 am to 4 pm till November 26. Visitors, researchers and art enthusiasts have been invited to support authentic tribal art.