Bhubaneswar, Jul 7: The Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs on Tuesday unveiled a renewed vision for strengthening Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs) as engines of knowledge, innovation and evidence-based policymaking at a two-day national workshop inaugurated in Bhubaneswar.

Inaugurating the workshop, Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram called for integrating indigenous wisdom with cutting-edge technology to preserve tribal heritage and promote inclusive growth. 

Addressing the policymakers, researchers, academicians and technology experts, Oram said TRIs must evolve into centres of excellence that blend traditional knowledge with cutting-edge research. He emphasised the importance of preserving tribal languages, arts and culture while leveraging digital tools and Artificial Intelligence to strengthen documentation, research and policy formulation.

Union Minister Oram, in a post on X, described the workshop as reaffirming the government’s commitment to research-driven tribal development. He said the launch of TribeX and the MoU with KIIT-TBI would help TRIs become vibrant centres of innovation and policy support.

Attended the National Workshop on Strengthening Tribal Research Institutes in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, in the presence of Hon’ble MoS Shri Durgadas Uikey, Dr. R. Balasubramaniam, Member, NITI Aayog, and Hon’ble Minister Shri Nityananda Gond. pic.twitter.com/QpWMyr8pSm

— Jual Oram (@jualoram) July 7, 2026

A major highlight of the workshop was the launch of TribeX, a first-of-its-kind digital learning platform dedicated to tribal arts, culture, languages and traditional knowledge. The platform aims to provide accessible resources for researchers and communities while safeguarding intangible heritage.

The event also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and KIIT Technology Business Incubator (KIIT-TBI), marking a step towards fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in tribal development.

Also Read: Bhubaneswar to Host National Workshop on Tribal Research Institutes Tomorrow

The workshop, spread over two days, will feature deliberations on strengthening institutional frameworks, enhancing research capacity, and integrating technology into tribal development strategies. Experts from across the country are expected to share best practices and explore collaborative models to empower tribal communities.

Officials said the initiative reflects the government’s broader vision of inclusive growth, ensuring that tribal communities benefit from both indigenous knowledge systems and modern technological advances.

Union Minister of State Durgadas Uikey, Odisha Minister Nityananda Gond and NITI Aayog Member Dr. R. Balasubramaniam were, among others, present on the occasion.