Event Details

The Department of Media, Communication and Fine Arts, School of Arts, FoMCA, Manipal University Jaipur successfully organized a Two-Day National Seminar on “Decolonising Narratives: Revisiting Janjatiya Culture and Epistemologies” on August 13–14, 2025, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), New Delhi, with the Tribal Research and Knowledge Centre (TRKC), New Delhi as the Knowledge Partner.,/p>

The seminar provided an interdisciplinary platform for academicians, researchers, and scholars from across the country to critically engage with issues related to Janajatiya (tribal) culture, indigenous knowledge systems, and decolonial perspectives. It sought to challenge dominant epistemological frameworks and emphasize the cultural, social, and ecological wisdom embedded within indigenous traditions, advocating a renewed engagement with India’s indigenous knowledge heritage.

The inaugural session was graced by Dr. Manna Lal Rawat, Hon’ble Member of Parliament from Udaipur, Rajasthan, as the Chief Guest. In his address, he highlighted the significance of recognizing and preserving tribal heritage within contemporary academic and policy discourse. Prof. Brajesh Kumar, Dean, FoMCA, underscored the importance of reflecting upon the historical marginalization of Janajatiya communities and celebrating their resilience, diversity, and contributions to society. Prof. Karunakara A. Kotegar, Pro-President, Manipal University Jaipur, emphasized decolonization as a broader civilizational discourse and reaffirmed India’s identity as a knowledge-rich civilization.

Across technical sessions and scholarly deliberations, participants discussed themes such as decolonizing knowledge frameworks, sustainable living through indigenous practices, cultural representation, and the role of higher education institutions in preserving and promoting cultural heritage.

Across technical sessions and scholarly deliberations, participants discussed themes such as decolonizing knowledge frameworks, sustainable living through indigenous practices, cultural representation, and the role of higher education institutions in preserving and promoting cultural diversity. The seminar concluded with meaningful academic takeaways, collective reflections, and a Vote of Thanks, reinforcing the university’s commitment to inclusive, culturally grounded, and socially relevant scholarship.

The purpose of the seminar was to promote academic discourse on Janjatiya culture and indigenous knowledge systems by challenging dominant narratives, highlighting tribal cultural and ecological wisdom, and encouraging decolonized perspectives within higher education.