'Silent Conversations: From Margins To Centre' Tribal Art Exhibition Concludes

National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), Ministry of Forest, Environment and Climate Change, and Sankala Foundation organized a first-of-its-kind art exhibition in New Delhi. This art exhibition was successfully organized in New Delhi between 3-5 November 2023.

Theme of Art Exhibition:

• The theme of this art exhibition was set as ‘Silent Conversation: From Margins to the Centre’

Exhibition opening:

• President Smt. Draupadi Murmu inaugurated this exhibition on November 3, 2023.
• During this, the President stressed the need for a holistic and collective effort to deal with the issue of climate change, saying that it is necessary not only for the protection of the environment but also for the survival of humanity.
• The President said that traditional practices of tribal and other forest dwelling communities should be adopted.

Painting made by artist of Mahar community presented to the President:

• The President was presented as a souvenir, a painting made by an artist of the Mahar community living around the Kanha Tiger Reserve.
• The painting titled Baghdev, made in bindu style, depicts how the Mahar community performs worship and rituals under the blue sky at night for the eternal protection of the tiger.

Showcasing the extraordinary talent of 43 artists from 12 states:

• The exhibition showcased the extraordinary talent of 43 artists from 12 different states of the country. These artists represented Gond, Bhil, Patachitra, Khowar, Sohrai, Warli and many other art styles.
• The exhibition showcased the tribal and other forest dwelling communities living around the tiger reserves of India and their deep connection with the forests and wildlife.

Promotion of Indian Art Exhibition:

• The exhibition provided an extraordinary platform to the general public to see and understand in depth the art, culture and ethos of these communities.
• Ambassadors and High Commissioners of various countries also visited Delhi NCR during the first weekend of November 2023. They went to this exhibition with their families and not only interacted with the artists, but also purchased unique paintings and artefacts made by them. Thus, they contributed in the promotion and preservation of tribal art and culture.

Benefits of the exhibition:

• The exhibition served as a platform to educate the public about the importance of wildlife conservation, the challenges faced by tiger reserves and the vital role of tigers in maintaining ecological balance.
• The sale of artworks not only empowered the artists financially but also provided them with alternative and sustainable livelihood.
• The amount received from the sale was sent directly to the bank accounts of these artists through a QR code.