The Centre for Dalit & Adivasi Studies and Translation at the School of Humanities, organized a Symposium on the occasion of World Indigenous Day on 7th August at the Auditorium, School of Humanities. The programme started at 11.15 a.m. Dr. G. Raju welcomed the dignitaries to the dais. Prof. R.S. Sarraju, Head I/c, CDAST chaired the programme. The Chief Guest of the Symposium was Dr. A. Vidyasagar IAS, Principal Sceretary, Department of Tribal Welfare of Andhra Pradesh, Govt. of India.
Prof. Panchanan Mohanty, Dean, School of Humanities, University of Hyderabad and Sri Pandu Reddy, Finance Officer, University of Hyderabad were the Guest of Honour. Prof. Tummala Ramakrishna (Head, Department of Telugu, UoH), Prof. R. Tirumal Rao (Visiting Professor, CDAST, UoH), Prof. V. Krishna (Controller of Examinations, UoH), Mrs. Anasuya (Koya Writer) were the distinguished speakers. Sri Dakkali Pochaiah (Kinnera Artist) gave his performance at the Symposium.
Prof. R.S. Sarraju briefed and introduced the history and activities of the Centre to the distinguished persons on the dais and the audience. Prof. Mohanty also expressed his views on the indigenous languages by saying that any language that does not have a script does not mean that it is a dialect. He quoted that Telugu language itself has many words similar to tribal language. Prof. Tirumal Rao emphasized on the need to protect the indigenous knowledge and language. Ms. Anasuya, the first Koya women writer said that language of expression is possible in own language. As the Indigenous people have their own language that has been learnt by them from the nature. Therefore, they are part of nature.
The Chief Guest Dr. Vidyasagar delivered inspiring and thought provoking speech. This day should be celebrated to discuss and contribute ourselves for the sake of the development of the indigenous people. Prof. Krishna gave the message of going into the tribals and work with them by living with them, that will give them confidence. Their culture, social life and languages need to be protected. The Centre is working for that purpose. The Centre’s motto is to preserve and develop the indigenous languages and culture.
Finally Prof. R.S. Sarraju gave the remarks on the symposium.
The vote of thanks was given by Dr. G. Raju.