Tribal Futures Fest 2.0 Opens as India’s Largest Celebration of Tribal Imagination

Day 1 of Tribal Futures Fest 2.0 marked the opening of the second edition of the month-long celebration curated by Tribal Design Forum. Rapidly emerging as India’s biggest online festival on tribal identity, knowledge systems, and creative expression, the 31-day program brings together artists, designers, scholars, and creative professionals from Indigenous and tribal communities across India and beyond.

From art, music, design, and film to food, literature, and education, the festival spotlights changemakers who are reshaping contemporary narratives of tribal imagination.

Centering Tribal Epistemology and Indigenous Worldviews

At its heart, the festival celebrates Tribal Epistemology — Indigenous knowledge systems rooted in oral traditions, community storytelling, lived experience, and sustainable practices. The programming challenges outdated stereotypes that view tribal communities as static or relics of the past, instead positioning tribal imagination and authorship as essential to modern discourse.

The festival also aims to inspire tribal youth to reflect on their identity and imagine new futures grounded in their cultural frameworks.

UNESCO Co-Chair Prof. Sona Jharia Minz Delivers Opening Address

The inaugural keynote was delivered by Prof. Sona Jharia Minz, UNESCO Co-Chair and Professor of Computer Science at JNU, from the Oraon community. She also previously served as Vice Chancellor of Sido Kanhu Murmu University.

Prof. Minz emphasized the global relevance of Indigenous knowledge systems while warning of risks posed by artificial intelligence and rapid technological change. She underscored the importance of data sovereignty, ethical governance, and Indigenous Knowledge Research Governance.

She also spoke of “rematriation” — reclaiming and restoring Indigenous cultural and natural resources — and urged tribal communities to actively shape technological futures.

Reimagining the Role of Tribal Youth

Unlike many one-day cultural showcases on World Indigenous Day, Tribal Futures Fest spans an entire month of intellectual and creative engagement. Curated by tribal designers and thought leaders, it reflects the belief that if tribal youth cannot imagine their future, they cannot build it.

This unique format presents a forward-looking vision of tribal creativity — rooted in tradition yet dynamically engaging with the future.

A Digital Celebration of Tribal Knowledge

Each day of the festival features live-streamed sessions on YouTube, accessible globally. The program schedule is available at www.tribaldesignforum.com.

Day 1 highlights included discussions on:

• Traditional tribal knowledge systems
• Indigenous people’s knowledge and decolonisation
• Ethical research governance
• The future impact of AI on Indigenous communities
• Data sovereignty and frameworks

Landmark Appearance by Prof. Virginius Xaxa

The day also featured Prof. Virginius Xaxa, Chairman of the historic Xaxa Committee and a pioneering sociologist in tribal studies.

He shared insights on Tribal Epistemology and its marginalization in Indian academia and policy, stressing the need to validate and elevate Indigenous knowledge within national discourse. His presence underscored the urgency of including tribal voices in shaping India’s intellectual and cultural future.