The Union Minister for External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar, today inaugurated the second edition of the art exhibition titled “Silent Conversation: From Margins to the Centre” in New Delhi. This four-day event was organized by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the Sankala Foundation, in collaboration with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA).
While inaugurating the pristine event, Foreign Minister and former Foreign Secretary Dr. Jaishankar emphasized the intricate nexus between India’s development and environmental conservation. He highlighted the government’s commitment to the welfare of Scheduled Tribes through various initiatives. The Antodaya scheme, he noted, is grounded in the principle of uplifting marginalized groups to ensure that no one is left behind.
Dr. Jaishankar lauded the progress made in environmental conservation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and cited several initiatives, including the International Solar Alliance, the promotion of yoga, and the encouragement of millet consumption. He referenced the amendments to the Wildlife Protection Act in 2022, aimed at balancing environmental needs with developmental goals. He credited the success of the NTCA to the tribal communities and forest dwellers, who play a crucial role in preserving forests, planting trees, and combating poaching.
The Union Minister stated, “Any policy works best when embraced by all citizens,” while highlighting the importance of community involvement. Dr. Jaishankar expressed that artworks by tribal artists would serve as wonderful gifts for his international guests thus showcasing Indian art effectively.
In a video message the Union Minister for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, Mr. Bhupendra Yadav pontificated the role of coexistence with nature, particularly as the world grapples with climate change, biodiversity loss, and soil desertification.
Message From The Bureaucrats:
Member Secretary of the NHRC, Mr. Bharat Lal (1988-batch Gujarat cadre IFS officer), observed that the tribal population has been the primary beneficiary of government schemes over the past decade, which aim to reach the most marginalized individuals. He spoke about the symbiotic relationship between tribal communities and nature, emphasizing the “conservation ethos” rooted in need rather than greed, as advocated by Mahatma Gandhi. Officer Lal stated that this relationship is vividly expressed through the artworks on display at the exhibition, which aims to introduce youth to conservation concepts.
Member Secretary of the NTCA, Dr. Gobind Sagar Bhardwaj (1994-batch Rajasthan cadre IFS officer) elucidated on the success of Project Tiger, which has led to further conservation efforts, including the introduction of cheetahs at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh.
Mr. Jitendra Kumar (1987-batch AGMUT cadre IFS officer), the incumbent Director General (Forests) and Special Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), stressed the importance of collective efforts from local communities and stakeholders to ensure the success of conservation initiatives.
Books & Magazines Launched
During this event, a book titled “Hidden Treasures: India’s Heritage in Tiger Reserves” and a magazine titled “Big Cats” were also launched. The exhibition aims to honour the conservation ethos of tribal communities and highlight the symbiotic relationship between these communities and the environment, inspiring future generations to appreciate this bond and allowing tribal artists to interact with visitors.
A Panoply Of India’s Indigenous Art Forms
On display are over 200 paintings and 100 art pieces from 22 tiger reserves across India. Immaculate tribal art forms like Gond, Warli, Pata Chitra, Bhil, and Sohrai, were also displayed with proceeds from sales going directly to the artists. All artworks are created using sustainable materials, reflecting the environmentally friendly lifestyles of indigenous communities.
Among the 49 participating artists, 10 hail from Madhya Pradesh’s tiger reserves, with others from Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Telangana, Rajasthan, Arunachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Mizoram. According to the 2011 Census, over 170,000 villages in India are located near forested areas, with more than 300 million people relying on forests for their livelihoods, as noted in the India State of Forest Report 2021. India is home to 70% of the global tiger population, with an estimated 3,682 big cats across 55 tiger reserves in 2023.
The event concluded with a cultural program attended by Dr. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, the Union Minister for Culture and Tourism.
