JAMMU, JANUARY 13, 2026 — Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today inaugurated a high-profile workshop titled “Mapping Tribal Heritage” at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jammu.
Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, the Minister defined tribal heritage as a dynamic knowledge system encompassing language, rituals, and social structures. He asserted that the survival of these ancient traditions depends on a participatory research framework, moving beyond external interventions to foster community stewardship and intergenerational transmission.
During the event, IIT Jammu reached a significant milestone by launching a dedicated digital portal for tribal knowledge. This open-access repository is designed to host ethnographic records, audiovisual materials, and research outputs, providing a curated platform for policymakers and researchers.
Minister Rana specifically highlighted the civilizational importance of the Gojri language, urging institutional support to ensure its vitality. He also called on scholars to delve into the Gurjar–Pratihara legacy, encouraging rigorous archaeological research to document the historical contributions of the Gujjar-Bakarwal community to art and state formation.
The workshop also featured the release of a documentary titled ‘Zuban-e-Kalam’, which captures the oral histories and migration experiences of indigenous groups. Experts including Dr. Amitash Ojha, Head of Humanities at IIT Jammu, and Dr. Javid Rahi, Secretary of Kala Kendra, emphasized the urgency of digitizing linguistic datasets and mapping tribal artisanship in regions like Poonch, Bandipora, and Kupwara.
Minister Rana concluded by assuring full cooperation from the Tribal Affairs Department, stating that interdisciplinary research at institutions like IIT Jammu is vital for designing inclusive, evidence-based welfare programs for marginalized communities.
