A One-day Seminar on Indigenous Children of Central India was jointly organised by Xavier Institute of Social Action (Raipur), Shipra Sustainable Development Foundation Sambalpur. The aim of the seminar was to see the status of Indigenous children in central India. It aimed at discussing the contemporary day practices and to derive best practices and identify areas of improvement.
The programme was inaugurated by lighting of the lamp by Guest of Honour Shri Rajesh Sukumar Toppo (IAS) Secretary-Dept. of Water Resources Govt. of CG, Wherein he emphasised on collaborative efforts to ensure sustainable development, Prof. Dr. Deepak K Behera Vice Chancellor of KISS, Deemed to be University (Bhubaneswar) stressed upon indigenous researchers to come up and contribute to the academia, Shri Subhasis Das, CSR Head, BALCO Vedanta emphasized on giving education to children in their local vernacular language, Shri Dinesh Agrawal Former Country Head CSR NTPC stated his contribution in developing CSR policies aligned with the aim to serve the indigenous population. Key note Speaker Prof. Ranju Hansini Sahoo from Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Amarkantak, gave a vivid account of tribes in Bastar and their culture. Dr. Ranjit Tigga, Provincial Madhya Pradesh stated the importance of education for tribal children and stated that his organisation has been serving around 30000 indigenous children in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh.
A plenary session was delivered by Shri Kumar Satyam Salil, CSR Head MP Power illustrating efforts undertaken by Hindustan Power for education of tribal children in Annuppur region of Madhya Pradesh. Prof. Jeevan Sagar from Hidayatullah Law College, Raipur spoke on language and its various dimensions having impact on learning process of indigenous children. Dr. Mehul Chauhan shared his experiences with Gond children on leisure time activities. A total of 27 papers were presented in the seminar from experts, academicians, research scholars, and students from various universities, civil organisations and leading Corporate Houses. Paper presenters were given certificates by Chief Guest Prof. Deepak Kumar Behere, Vice Chancellor, KISS deemed to be University Bhubaneswar. The Seminar ended with the National Anthem.
