By Matters India Reporter
Mumbai, Jan 6, 2020: Around 200,000 people are expected to attend the 27th ‘Grand Cultural Gathering of Indian Indigenous Peoples’ in Mumbai.
“The expected mass community attendance is going to be one of the unique events in the world,” said Ashok Chaudhary, an organizer.
The January 12-15 event will take place at SIDCO (Small Industries Development Corporation) Maidan, Palghar, about 110 north of Mumbai.
It is a great gathering of Adivasis, Tribals and Indigenous peoples of India, Chaudhary added.
The UN decision to observe 2022-2032 as the ‘International Decade of Indigenous Languages,’ is an opportunity to lead a collective agenda for revitalization, protection and promotion of indigenous languages, cultures towards Indigenous Sustainable Development models, said Divine Word Father Nicholas Barla, another organizer.
According to the Catholic priest, the meet will hold thematic discussion on Adivasi Education systems, Health Care, Adivasi Gender Issues, Adivasi youth at crossroads, Adivasi Culture and interaction with different Faith traditions, future of Adivasi Political leadership, Adivasi Governance and Rights; and Economic System and Rights over Natural Resources.
The event will also include a cultural pride rally on Jan 14 from the local town to the venue followed by expert deliberations and cultural expressions from different states.
“The National Indigenous Peoples Gathering intends to represent a unifying force among diverse Adivasi cultures and communities throughout India,” said Father Barla, executive secretary of tribal office, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India.
The organizers look forward to tribal people’s participation in sharing of cultural values, thoughts, activities that would enlighten the thought processes and their commitment to the holistic development of India’s Indigenous society at large, the tribal priest added.