RGU Celebrates International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples

Traditional knowledge shows how to live in greater harmony with nature: Minister Biswajit Daimary at Royal Global University

GUWAHATI, August 11, 2026: The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples was celebrated by The Assam Royal Global University (RGU) on Tuesday with a vibrant cultural and scholarly programme. The event was organised by the Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems in association with the Internal Quality Assurance Cell of RGU to honour and celebrate the rich indigenous knowledge systems, cultural traditions, artistic expressions and living heritage of the indigenous communities of Assam and Northeast India.

Sri Biswajit Daimary, Minister, Indigenous & Tribal Faith & Culture graced the event as the Chief Guest. Prof. Desmond L. Kharmawphlang, Department of Cultural and Creative Studies, North-Eastern Hill University, and celebrated playback singer, composer, music director and National Film Award winner Tarali Sarma attended the programme in the presence of Dr A. K. Pansari, Chancellor; Sri Ankur Pansari, Pro Chancellor; Prof. Alak Kumar Buragohain, Vice-Chancellor, RGU, along with other dignitaries, faculty members, staff and students of the University.

Delivering his address, Chief Guest Sri Biswajit Daimary said that indigenous cultures, traditions and traditional knowledge are becoming increasingly relevant in an age marked by rapid technological advancement. “Science and technology have undoubtedly transformed our lives, but we have now reached a stage where human beings are inventing and using technologies that can themselves become a threat to humanity. At such a critical juncture, we must look back to our indigenous wisdom, traditions and sustainable ways of living. Our traditional knowledge can show us how to live in greater harmony with nature and ensure a safer and more sustainable future for generations to come,” he said.

Guest of Honour Prof. Desmond L. Kharmawphlang spoke on the richness and diversity of indigenous cultural traditions and the need for sustained academic engagement with indigenous knowledge and cultural practices. He underlined the role of educational institutions in documenting, researching and transmitting indigenous heritage to future generations.

Addressing the students, Tarali Sarma spoke extensively on the rich heritage of Assamese folk and indigenous music, tracing its evolution through traditional musical forms, indigenous instruments, rhythms and diverse genres. She also highlighted the enduring influence of Srimanta Sankardeva’s musical traditions and the deep-rooted connection between folk music and the cultural life of Assam.

Earlier, Prof. Shiela Bora, Dean, Royal School of Humanities and Social Sciences (RSHSS), RGU, delivered the Welcome Address and set the context for the celebration. The programme featured vibrant cultural presentations reflecting the diverse indigenous traditions of the region. A Tiwa Group Dance Performance and ‘Barerohoniya’ Dance presented by the students of RGU added colour and vibrancy to the occasion, showcasing the richness of indigenous artistic

expressions. The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is observed globally to recognise and promote the rights, cultures and contributions of indigenous peoples.