Vice President inaugurates conference on transformation of tribal lives

The Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan, today inaugurated a conference titled “Transformation of Tribal Lives through Science and Technological Interventions – Preserving Language, Faith and Culture” at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

The conference was organised by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, in collaboration with the North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR) and ITITI Doon Sanskriti School, Dehradun.

Addressing the gathering, the Vice President highlighted that the conference has beautifully demonstrated the power of scientific temper and technological advancement when combined with traditional knowledge. He noted that when modern science works in harmony with language, faith and culture, it becomes a powerful force for protection and empowerment.

Emphasising the importance of tribal communities, the Vice President said that India has around 1.4 lakh tribal villages, comprising nearly 9 per cent of the country’s population. He underlined that tribal communities possess invaluable traditional knowledge that supports biodiversity and sustainable use of forest resources. He added that for centuries, these communities have preserved India’s ancient culture, faith and civilisational heritage.

The Vice President observed that tribal areas offer immense potential for green economic development. He also remarked on the exceptional skills of tribal communities in design, textiles and colour combinations, which have been preserved over generations.
On the occasion, Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Shri Taranjit Singh Sandhu; Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Chowna Mein; Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Prof. Abhay Karandikar; and former MP and Founder Trustee of ITITI Doon Sanskriti School, Shri Tarun Vijay, were also present.(UPDATED ON 12TH FEBRUARY 2026)