Media
Food security must prioritise Indigenous knowledge over corporate control
- March 10, 2025
Source: Down To Earth
Food sovereignty is jeopardized, especially within Indigenous food systems that function as biodiversity hotspots. Nevertheless, policies persist in promoting monocultures, chemical inputs, and corporate dominance over seeds, so eroding the fundamental processes that sustain life. Research conducted by 16 Indigenous women representing 16 Indigenous Peoples from all seven socio-cultural areas, published in the newest edition of Knowledge Makers Journal, indicated that Indigenous knowledge is crucial for mitigating food insecurity, biodiversity loss, and climate vulnerability. The journal commenced on March 7, 2025.The journal cautioned that numerous Indigenous food systems in India are under risk. Conventional millets, pulses, and indigenous rice types are being supplanted by high-yield hybrids that lack genetic robustness, rendering Indian food systems increasingly susceptible to unpredictable climatic conditions.
TRIFED signs MoU with Rooftop to facilitate skill enhancements of tribal artisans and facilitating their businesses
- February 25, 2025
Source: Press Information Bureau
In a significant move to transcend from B2C to B2B approach for tribal marketing, Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Ltd (TRIFED), under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, has entered into a strategic partnership with Rooftop to facilitate tribal businesses. To take it forward, Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on 24th February in New Delhi, marking a pivotal step in facilitating the implementation of the B2B approach and augmentation of the tribal product market.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Managing Director of TRIFED Shri Ashish Chatterjee during the ongoing flagship event ‘Aadi Mahotsav’, held at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in the National Capital from 16 to 24 February 2025. Rooftop MoU was signed and exchanged between TRIFED Deputy General Manager Ms Preeti Tolia and Rooftop Founder & CEO Shri Kartik Gaggar. The principal objective of the MoU is to aid the skill enhancements of the tribal artisans.
TRIFED signs MoUs with National Institute of Fashion Technology and Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation Ltd for facilitating tribal entrepreneurship
- February 25, 2025
Source: Press Information Bureau
In a significant move to transcend from B2C to B2B approach for tribal marketing, Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Ltd (TRIFED), under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, has entered into a strategic partnership with NIFT, and HPMC to facilitate tribal businesses. To take it forward, Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed on 24th February in New Delhi, marking a pivotal step in facilitating the implementation of the B2B approach and augmentation of the tribal product market.
Anant National University Hosts Two International Events Promoting Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Sustainable Future
- February 24, 2025
Source: The Tribune
Anant National University recently hosted two landmark international events. The International Conference on Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices: Designing Sustainable Futures brought together global voices, highlighting the importance of integrating Indigenous knowledge into contemporary practices. The 3rd edition of WITH Festival, themed 'Borderless - Global Indigenous Futures,' celebrated Indigenous storytelling through contemporary media, simultaneously taking place in Quito (Ecuador), Miami (USA) and Sao Paulo (Brazil), with Anant hosting its Indian edition.
The conference, led by Dr Anunaya Chaubey, Provost, Anant National University and Dr Rajendra Singh, Professor of Practice, Anant National University, featured keynote addresses by Prof Sonajharia Minz and Prof Rishi Narain Singh, alongside research presentations from global experts. It provided a platform for thought leaders, policymakers and scholars to engage in meaningful discussions on sustainable solutions in response to escalating environmental challenges, social inequalities and economic instability.
Boost to Global Reporting of Clinical Data and Evidence-Based Research in Ayush with WHO 2025 Update to ICD-11
- February 21, 2025
Source: Press Information Bureau
In a significant milestone for the global recognition of traditional medicine, the World Health Organization (WHO) has announced the 2025 update to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). The update introduces a pioneering new module dedicated to traditional medicine conditions, marking a monumental step in the systematic tracking and global integration of traditional systems of healthcare practices related to Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani.
This update follows the successful year-long testing and deliberations after the launch of ICD-11 TM-2 (on January 10, 2024, in New Delhi) for Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani systems of medicine for country implementation testing. It culminates in the deliberations held at the WHO meeting at the National Institute of Health in Malaysia in November 2024. The ICD-11 TM 2 module is now officially released on the ICD-11 Blue Browser of WHO.
This groundbreaking inclusion of traditional medicine in WHO’s internationally recognised health framework ensures that the traditional health systems of Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani are officially documented and categorized in ICD-11, alongside conventional medical conditions. This elevates their status in global health reporting, research, and policymaking.
TRIFED enters into MOUs with Reliance Retail, HCL Foundation, and Torajamelo Indonesia for entrepreneurship development of tribals
- February 20, 2025
Source: Press Information Bureau
TRIFED has been taking various visionary steps towards tribal empowerment and to bring the tribal population towards mainstream empowerment. One such initiative in this direction is partnerships of TRIFED with Reliance Retail, HCL Foundation, and Torajamelo Indonesia to facilitate tribal businesses for elevating lakhs of tribals from the rural India to a mainstream National level.
Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed on 19th February during the ongoing flagship event ‘Aadi Mahotsav,’ held at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in the National Capital from 16 to 24 February 2025, marking a pivotal step in ensuring the implementation of the B2B approach and augmentation of the tribal product market.
National Commission for Scheduled Tribes celebrates its 22nd Foundation Day
- February 19, 2025
Source: Press Information Bureau
Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Shri Jual Oram lauded the proactive initiatives of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, emphasizing its vital role in implementing and monitoring the Forest Rights Act using its Constitutional powers. He was addressing the gathering at the 22nd Foundation Day celebrations of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes in New Delhi on 19 February 2025.
Shri Jual Oram assured that the Tribal Ministry, in collaboration with the Commission, will continue working towards ensuring a better and dignified life, social justice, and holistic development for Scheduled Tribe communities. Highlighting key initiatives of the Central Government for Scheduled Tribes, he mentioned programs such as Eklavya Model Residential Schools, pre- and post-matric scholarships, and the National Overseas Scholarship. Additionally, he discussed the identification of 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) across the country as part of a specialized development plan.
TRIFED signs MoUs with Meesho, IFCA & Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Rural Industrialisation
- February 19, 2025
Source: Press Information Bureau
In a significant move to transcend from B2C to B2B approach for tribal communities, Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Ltd (TRIFED) has entered into a strategic partnership with Meesho, Indian Federation of Culinary Associations (IFCA) and Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Rural Industrialization (MGIRI) to facilitate tribal businesses. Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) were signed on 18th February during the ongoing flagship event ‘Aadi Mahotsav’, held at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in the National Capital being from 16 to 24 February 2025, marking a pivotal step in ensuring the implementation of the B2B approach and augmentation of the tribal product market.
The principal objective of the MoU with Meesho is to facilitate the onboarding of tribal products onto their social commerce platform, accompanied by training and capacity-building initiatives for tribal suppliers. Whereas the Indian Federation of Culinary Associations (IFCA) will assist in establishing long-term collaborations with culinary professionals and hotel chains through their technology platform. Furthermore, the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Rural Industrialization (MGIRI) has partnered with the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED) as the knowledge partner to conduct training and capacity building for artisans.
Taking the ‘Vocal for Local’ movement forward, 24th Divya Kala Mela to be organized from 14th – 24th February 2025, at Gulshan Ground, Jammu
- February 14, 2025
Source: Press Information Bureau
The Divya Kala Mela is a pioneering initiative dedicated to empowering Divyang artisans by providing them with marketing opportunities and a chance to display their exceptional talent. It is part of a nationwide movement, with previous editions successfully held in Delhi, Mumbai, Bhopal, Guwahati, Jaipur, Bengaluru, Chennai, Patna, Nagpur, Pune, and many other cities across the country. The Jammu edition will witness participation from around 100 Divyang artisans and entrepreneurs representing approximately 20 states and Union Territories. The categories of products on display include:
Home Décor & Lifestyle
Clothing and Textiles
Stationery and Eco-friendly Products
Packaged and Organic Food
Toys and Gifts
Personal Accessories, Jewellery, and Clutch Bags
Cultural Extravaganza & Special Attractions
The 11-day fair will not only be a shopping destination but also a cultural hub, featuring captivating performances by Divyang artists and renowned professionals. Additionally, visitors can enjoy regional delicacies from across India at the event. A highlight of the event will be a special cultural programme, ‘Divya Kala Shakti’, presented by Divyang artists on 24th February, 2025.
Hon’ble Minister of Textiles Shri Giriraj Singh Inaugurates Indie Haat- A celebration of India’s rich handloom and handicraft heritage
- February 14, 2025
Source: Press Information Bureau
Shri Giriraj Singh, Hon’ble Minister of Textiles, inaugurated Indie Haat at the National Crafts Museum and Hastkala Academy, New Delhi. Speaking at the event, Shri Giriraj Singh, Hon’ble Minister of Textiles, remarked that Indie Haat is not just an exhibition, but a celebration of India’s rich textile and handicraft heritage. Through this platform, we are not only preserving traditional crafts but also providing artisans and weavers with direct access to global markets, HMoT added.
The Indie Haat event, which runs from February 12 to 18, 2025, is designed to showcase India’s traditional artistry to an international audience. The participating handicraft artisans at Indie Haat represent a diverse range of craft traditions from various regions of India. Indie Haat features a vibrant display of 80 different types of handcrafted and handwoven products, crafted by 85 artisans and weavers from across the country.Their crafts include Gulabi Minakari, Tarkasi craft, Mithila painting, black pottery, Chamba Rumal, Punjabi Jutti, Kalamkari painting, Bidri craft, Bastar Dhokra, Gujarat Suf embroidery, Kutch Ajrakh hand block printing, Aranmula metal mirror, and many more.The textiles they showcase include Paithani sarees, Tussar silk sarees, Jamdani sarees, Pashmina shawls, Muga silk sarees, Uppada Jamdani, Maheshwari sarees, and handloom yoga mats, highlighting the rich weaving heritage of India.