Bhubaneswar, Jul 6: The Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs will host a two-day National Workshop on Strengthening Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs) in Bhubaneswar on July 7–8, aiming to transform TRIs into vibrant knowledge institutions, cultural resource centres, and policy hubs for tribal development, officials said on Monday.

The workshop will review the functioning of TRIs across India and chart a roadmap for strengthening their role in research, documentation, heritage preservation, and evidence-based policymaking. It reflects the Ministry’s commitment to innovation-driven, inclusive development for tribal communities under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The event will be inaugurated by Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram, in the presence of Minister of State Durgadas Uikey, NITI Aayog Member R. Balasubramaniam, Odisha Minister Nityananda Gond, and Tribal Affairs Secretary Ranjana Chopra, alongside senior officials from Central and State governments. An MoU will also be signed between the Ministry and Sampurnanand Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya, Varanasi.

A major highlight will be the launch of TribeX, a first-of-its-kind digital learning platform dedicated to tribal arts, culture, languages, traditional knowledge, and skill development. TribeX will serve as a digital ecosystem to preserve and disseminate tribal heritage while creating opportunities for research, cultural exchange, and sustainable livelihoods.

Around 200 participants, including representatives from TRIs, State Tribal Welfare Departments, academic institutions, technology organisations, NGOs, and industry experts, will attend.

Day one will feature presentations by State TRIs and thematic breakout sessions on TRIs as cultural resource centres, research and documentation, technology integration, and institutional strengthening. Day two will consolidate recommendations into a National TRI Strengthening Roadmap, followed by expert panels on research ecosystems, technology, and institutional reforms.

Experts from CDAC, Wadhwani AI, IIT Delhi, IIT Bhubaneswar, Deloitte, and Sarvam AI will present on digital transformation and emerging technologies. The workshop will conclude with the adoption of the Bhubaneswar Declaration, outlining a shared vision for strengthening TRIs through reforms, research excellence, technology integration, and collaboration.