Sessions

Textile designer Kevisedenuo Margaret Zinyu will present a 30-minute talk on her work with women artisans in Nagaland. Zinyu will discuss her approach to creating contemporary textile products blending modern design with traditional craftsmanship. The presentation will highlight the socio-economic impact of empowering women artisans through sustainable employment. Zinyu will showcase how indigenous skills are preserved and celebrated in her designs. A 30-minute Q&A will follow, exploring the challenges and successes of integrating traditional craftsmanship into modern markets, the role of women in the textile industry, and ethical practices in fashion.

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Designer, artist, and shaman Alyen Foning will present a 30-minute talk on her artistic practice connecting with her Lepcha ancestors. Foning will explore how she uses art to channel ancestral wisdom and the natural world into visual expressions. The presentation will highlight the rich symbolism in her work, reflecting the Lepcha community's reverence for nature. Foning will discuss her creative process and the dual roles of artist and shaman. A 30-minute Q&A will conclude the session, offering insights into the intersection of art, spirituality, and cultural heritage, and the significance of nature in Lepcha traditions.

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Annu Bagmare, a Green Hub Fellow from the 2021-22 cohort, will deliver a 30-minute online presentation on her impactful work in the fringe villages of Kanha National Park through her film Ek Shiksha Aisee Bhee (A Unique Way of Learning),. In this session, Bagmare will discuss her initiatives to empower forest-dwelling communities through contextual education and nature-based livelihoods. The presentation will feature a screening of her film, which documents the efforts to improve foundational learning, develop contextual educational modules, and enhance teachers' capacity to deliver quality education in 14 villages.

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Musician Maansi Josephine Baa will share her journey of exploring and expressing experiences through music in an online interaction. Baa blends traditional Oraon sounds with eclectic influences from Goa, reflecting her personal growth and cultural exploration. The session will explore her creative process and how distance from her roots has influenced her music. Baa will discuss themes of home, displacement, and belonging, expressed in her songs. The conversation will conclude with reflections on the challenges and rewards of being an artist in a new cultural environment and the universal language of music as a tool for storytelling and expression.

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Mukesh Baiga, a Green Hub Fellow from the 2021-22 cohort, will present a 30-minute online session featuring his film Bori Mein Lagai, Hazaron Kamai (Planted in Grow-Bags, Earning in Thousands). The film focuses on an innovative agricultural initiative aimed at enhancing the income of local communities through the Jawahar Badi model. This model involves planting seeds or saplings in grow-bags instead of directly in the ground, a technique particularly beneficial in areas where water is scarce and soil nutrients are limited.

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Media professional Karry Padu will present a 30-minute talk on "Exploring the Galo Community through The Vivid Project and I AM PROPERTY." Padu will showcase her work capturing the essence of Galo life through poetry and film. She will discuss the narrative focus and challenges of her projects, highlighting the socio-cultural issues faced by the Galo people. The session will explore the artistic strategies used to give voice to the community's experiences. A 30-minute Q&A will conclude the presentation, offering insights into Padu's work and the broader implications of preserving indigenous cultures through media.

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Designer Arak Sangma will deliver a 30-minute presentation on revitalizing the traditional clay art of the Garo Hills. Sangma will discuss how he brings Garo stories and traditions to life through clay creations. The presentation will explore the cultural significance of this art form, passed down through generations. Sangma will share his experiences and techniques, highlighting the infusion of traditional motifs into his designs. The session will conclude with a 30-minute Q&A, discussing the intricacies of Garo clay art, its role in cultural preservation, and the challenges of sustaining traditional crafts.

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Entrepreneur Jimu Mele will present a 30-minute talk on eco-tourism, focusing on the Seven Lakes of the Dibang Valley. Mele will discuss how eco-tourism experiences offer immersion in nature and engagement with local Idu and Mishmi cultures. The presentation will emphasize sustainable tourism practices that respect the environment and indigenous communities. Mele will share the challenges and rewards of promoting eco-tourism in remote areas. The session will conclude with a 30-minute Q&A, offering insights into sustainable travel, the impact of tourism on local cultures, and the unique experiences of exploring the Dibang Valley.

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Designer Kanistha Kujur will deliver a 30-minute presentation on her work in design sprints for GenAI-based app development and other projects. Kujur will share her experience in Milan, detailing the process of developing an app using Generative AI. She will also discuss prototyping enterprise software and conducting design thinking workshops. The presentation will highlight the integration of GenAI in app development and the benefits of design thinking. A 30-minute Q&A will follow, allowing attendees to explore topics such as app development, user experience design, and fostering innovation through multidisciplinary approaches.

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Textile designer Shakuntala Marndi will deliver a 30-minute presentation on the Santhal community's indigenous wisdom and natural resources. Marndi will highlight traditional knowledge of sustainable use of natural fibers and dyes. The presentation will showcase the transformation of plants and natural elements into eco-friendly textiles. Marndi will emphasize the importance of preserving these traditional methods, celebrating cultural heritage and promoting sustainability. A 30-minute Q&A session will follow, exploring the intersections of traditional craftsmanship, environmental stewardship, and contemporary textile design.

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Animator and designer Krishnabh Thengal will present a 30-minute talk on preserving the Karbi tribe's oral traditions through animation. Thengal will discuss his collaboration with community knowledge keepers, capturing the essence of traditional narratives in animated films. The presentation will explore the challenges and creative strategies of adapting oral stories into visual media. Thengal will emphasize the importance of cultural sensitivity and authenticity in his work. The session will conclude with a 30-minute Q&A, discussing the role of animation in cultural preservation and the unique aspects of Karbi storytelling.

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Green Hub Fellows Sahebram Bediya and Sanjeev Marskole will present a screening and discussion of their film Jan Aur Jungle Jodne ki Pehal (An Initiative to Connect People and Forests). The film highlights the work of the Ekastha Foundation, an organization dedicated to advocating for the rights of forests and the people of Jharkhand. The documentary focuses on a pilot project in Koynardih, a village near Jonha Falls in the Ranchi District, where the foundation is promoting sustainable livelihoods through bamboo craft, mushroom cultivation, and eco-tourism.

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The Lepcha band Sofiyum will present an engaging interaction showcasing their fusion of traditional Lepcha songs with modern music styles. The band will discuss themes of fishing, animal freedom, and survival, reflecting their community's bond with nature. Through music videos and backstories, they will highlight the cultural significance of these themes. The session will delve into the band's creative process, blending traditional melodies with contemporary sounds. The interaction will conclude with a discussion on maintaining cultural identity and the role of music in fostering a connection with nature.

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Green Hub Fellows Sahebram Bediya and Narendra Pardhi will present a screening and discussion of their film documenting the return of a herd of elephants to the village of Pithoria in Jharkhand after a 17-year absence. This short film explores the rising human-elephant conflict in the region, set against a backdrop of mining, deforestation, and urban growth. The narrative delves into the challenges faced by both the elephants and the local communities as natural habitats shrink and human settlements expand.

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Tribal communities, deeply rooted in their natural surroundings, often remain disconnected from the technological world. However, Dr. Sonajharia Minz explores how emerging technologies are intersecting with and even enriching tribal life in unexpected ways.

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Designer Rubashi Brahma will present a 30-minute talk on using technology to document and preserve Bodo textile traditions. Brahma will discuss her approach to creating digital archives of weaving techniques and cultural significance. The presentation will highlight the intersection of technology and cultural heritage, making Bodo textiles accessible to a broader audience. Brahma will share her efforts to preserve the rich heritage of Bodo textiles for future generations. A 30-minute Q&A will follow, exploring the challenges of digital archiving, technology's role in cultural preservation, and maintaining cultural identity in a modern context.

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Artist Allen Satyajit Shaw will present a 30-minute talk on his 25-year journey of sketching daily lives. Shaw will share a visual documentation of his personal and professional growth, capturing everyday moments and stories from different cultural landscapes. The presentation will explore how geographical and cultural shifts have influenced his artistic style. Shaw will discuss how his sketches serve as a visual diary chronicling his life and artistic journey. The session will conclude with a 30-minute Q&A, offering insights into sketching as documentation, the impact of cultural shifts on an artist's work, and artistic exploration.

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Cultural practitioner Sejal Rathwa will deliver a 30-minute presentation on the sacred ritualistic visual expression of Pithora paintings from the Rathwa community. Rathwa will explore Pithora's cultural and spiritual significance and its role as a sacred practice. She will address misconceptions and misappropriations of Pithora by artists and businesses outside the community. The presentation will highlight the traditional contexts and ceremonies associated with Pithora paintings. A 30-minute Q&A will follow, discussing cultural appropriation, safeguarding indigenous practices, and distinguishing between ritualistic and artistic expressions.

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Social entrepreneur Anuradha Kandala will present a 30-minute talk on the Dongria Kondh tribe's textile, Kapdaganda, from Odisha. Kandala will explore the cultural and symbolic significance of Kapdaganda, reflecting the community's respect for nature. She will discuss her work with the Dongria Kondh through her venture Folkweaves, promoting sustainable and ethical business practices. The presentation will highlight how these textiles benefit the community while preserving cultural heritage. A 30-minute Q&A will conclude the session, offering insights into ethical fashion, working with indigenous communities, and preserving traditional crafts.

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Warli cultural leader Manisha Dhinde and architect Rohan Shivkumar will present a 30-minute talk on their project to map the Aarey Forest. They will discuss the collaboration with experts to understand the relationship between the Warli community and the forest ecosystem. The presentation will cover the methods used for cultural and ecological mapping, highlighting the unique symbiosis between traditional practices and the environment. Dhinde and Shivkumar will showcase an immersive AR/VR experience of the project. The session will conclude with a 30-minute Q&A, discussing the integration of technology with cultural preservation and documenting indigenous knowledge systems.

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Green Hub Fellows Ravindra Kumar Kanav, Rohit Sarvare, Mahima Maravi, and Ajay Bhuria from the 2021-22 cohort will present a screening and discussion of their film Jan Gan Van (People, Community, Forest). The film tells the inspiring story of forest restoration through community participation in East Singhbhum, Jharkhand. It focuses on the impact of heavy logging from 1980 to 1986, which severely affected the livelihoods of indigenous communities in the area. The narrative explores how the collective action of these communities, facilitated by the Paryavaran Chetna Kendra, has led to the successful revival of the forest.

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Tangkhul Naga band Not Funny will discuss their fusion of traditional sounds with contemporary music in an online interaction. The band will share their experiences and creative processes, blending Tangkhul Naga music with modern genres. The session will explore their quest to honor cultural heritage while experimenting with new styles. Not Funny will discuss challenges and joys of fusing old and new, offering a glimpse into their artistic vision. The interaction will highlight how the band uses music to express cultural identity and connect with a broader audience, staying true to their roots.

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Green Hub Fellow Sanjay Singh will present a screening and discussion of his film Jal Sanrakshan Se Vikas Ki Or (Towards Progress with Water Conservation). The film chronicles a watershed management project aimed at alleviating severe water scarcity in the villages of Khera, Kota, Dadri, and Lurghuti. With no reliable water sources, these communities faced daily hardships and significant agricultural losses. The project, initiated by an NGO, involved close collaboration with local residents to implement comprehensive water conservation strategies.

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Designer and musician Ridahunlang Gatphoh will present a 30-minute talk on her work with Dak-ti Crafts, revitalizing tribal crafts in Meghalaya. Gatphoh will discuss her design interventions to breathe new life into traditional crafts and promote cultural heritage. The presentation will highlight the collaboration with local artisans and the role of Dak-ti Crafts in cultural preservation. Gatphoh will showcase artisanal products and share insights into promoting tribal culture through retail and cultural events. A 30-minute Q&A will conclude the session, exploring the impact of these initiatives on cultural preservation, community empowerment, and sustainable development.

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Angami filmmaker Theja Rio will present a 30-minute talk on the concept of ambition in his community. Rio will explore how ambition is perceived among the Konyak people and how it drives him to create films resonating with their experiences. He will discuss his depiction of ambition in his films, using storytelling to convey the community's challenges and dreams. The session will include clips and insights into Rio's filmmaking process, illustrating how his work reflects and inspires his community's collective ambitions. A 30-minute Q&A will conclude, exploring themes of ambition, cultural identity, and filmmaking's role in shaping societal attitudes.

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Graphic designer and illustrator Pascal Mario Pathaw will present a 30-minute talk on the role of Khasi semiotics in visual narratives and design. Pathaw will explore how Khasi cultural symbols and motifs can be integrated into contemporary visual media. The presentation will highlight how these elements enhance storytelling and design, creating rich and meaningful visual experiences. Pathaw will showcase examples of his work, demonstrating the use of Khasi semiotics in graphic design. A 30-minute Q&A will follow, offering insights into Khasi visual language, its application in modern design, and the broader implications of cultural semiotics in creative fields.

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Designer, animator, and academician Saheb Ram Tudu will present a 30-minute talk on his visual narration of Santhali culture. Tudu will discuss his artistic and academic endeavors to celebrate Santhali traditions and folklore through animation and visual arts. The presentation will showcase key projects exploring identity and heritage, emphasizing cultural preservation's importance. Tudu will highlight the challenges of representing indigenous cultures in modern media. The session will conclude with a 30-minute Q&A, providing an opportunity to discuss Tudu's creative process, the impact of his work, and the significance of cultural storytelling.

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Contemporary artist Madan Meena will deliver a 30-minute presentation on his artistic documentation of Rajasthan's nomadic tribes. Meena will discuss his fieldwork and research, translating cultural insights into visual art. The session will highlight how Meena captures the unique lifestyles and narratives of these tribes through various mediums. He will showcase examples from his work, emphasizing the importance of documenting intangible cultural heritage. The presentation will conclude with a 30-minute Q&A, offering insights into Meena's research methods, the challenges of documenting cultural heritage, and the role of art in preserving cultural identities.

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Harsh Raj Gond, a designer, will present a 30-minute talk on his film "Folklore Journey through Gond Art and the Legacy of Jangarh Singh Shyam." Gond will discuss the inspiration behind the film, showcasing the vibrant Gond art and paying homage to Jangarh Singh Shyam. He will share insights into the filmmaking process and the challenges of documenting cultural narratives. The presentation will highlight the importance of preserving indigenous art forms and the legacy of Gond painting. The session will conclude with a 30-minute Q&A, exploring the film's themes and the impact of Gond art on cultural preservation.

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Green Hub Fellows Anita Gond and Bhumika Yadav will present a screening and discussion of their film Jeevan Ke Rang, Jaivik Ke Sang (Transformation through Organic Farming). The film showcases the transformative impact of organic farming on the lives of rural communities. It explores how transitioning to organic practices has not only improved agricultural productivity but also enhanced the overall well-being and sustainability of the communities involved.

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Musician Takar Nabam will engage in an online interaction, sharing stories behind his blend of mellow alt-rock and Himalayan folk influences. Nabam, rated as one of India's top guitar players, will discuss his journey from Arunachal Pradesh to the global music scene. He will explore how his experiences shape his musical style and lyrical themes, creating a blend of traditional and contemporary sounds. The session will offer insights into Nabam's creative process, the cultural elements in his music, and the importance of staying connected to one's roots. The conversation will provide a deeper understanding of identity, belonging, and artistic evolution.

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Green Hub Fellows Sunil Kumawat and Hari Kumar Kunjam will present a screening and discussion of their film Beej Bank_Paramparagat Ann, Kisano Ke Sang (Seed Bank_Indigenous Seeds with Farmer Collectives). The film explores the impact of the Green Revolution on traditional farming practices, particularly the widespread adoption of chemical fertilizers and hybrid seeds, which led to the gradual loss of indigenous seed varieties. In response to this issue, the Gram Sudhar Samiti (GSS) initiated a unique project in the Sidhi district of Madhya Pradesh to promote seed sovereignty and reduce farmers' dependency on market-bought seeds.

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Graphic designer and photographer Anupam Purty will deliver a 30-minute presentation on reviving the traditional Sukan Buru festival by the Munda community in Jharkhand. Purty will narrate the story of rejuvenating this cultural festival through a vibrant kite festival. The presentation will highlight the community's spiritual connection to the land and the role of media in documenting the event. Purty will showcase his photographic work, capturing the festival's joy and community spirit. A 30-minute Q&A will follow, exploring themes of cultural preservation, community engagement, and the power of visual storytelling in revitalizing traditions.

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Animator and designer Kirat Brahma will present a 30-minute talk on his venture Zankla Toys, which brings Bodo cultural stories to life through fabric-based toys. Brahma will discuss the collaboration with local artisans, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern design. The presentation will highlight the impact of Zankla Toys on reviving the local economy and preserving Bodo heritage. Brahma will share the creative process behind the toys, from conceptualizing characters to crafting the final products. A 30-minute Q&A will follow, offering insights into cultural preservation, sustainable design, and empowering local communities through creative enterprise.

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Lungshai Leisan Luikham, a storyteller, illustrator, and animator from Ukhrul, Manipur, will present a 30-minute talk at the Tribal Futures event. Her work is deeply rooted in the stories of her upbringing, reflecting the vibrant culture of her homeland and her personal experiences. Lungshai holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the College of Art in Delhi and a Master of Design in Animation from IDC, IIT Bombay. Currently working as a freelancer, she is dedicated to bringing unique and meaningful stories to life through her art. Her talk will explore how her background and education have influenced her creative journey and how she continues to use her art to celebrate and preserve the rich cultural heritage of her community. This session promises to offer a unique insight into the intersection of traditional storytelling and contemporary animation, showcasing the power of art in cultural expression and preservation.

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Dinesh Barap, a Warli artist, will present a 30-minute talk on "Contemporary Warli Visual Narratives." He will discuss how he blends modern themes with traditional Warli art to create resonant visual stories. Barap will showcase his work, highlighting techniques and symbols that define Warli art, and how he reinterprets them to address contemporary issues. The session will explore the evolution of Warli painting into a contemporary art form, preserving its essence while engaging modern audiences. A 30-minute Q&A will follow, discussing Warli art's significance, adaptation, and Barap's personal journey in visual storytelling.

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Fashion designer Iba Mallai will present a 30-minute talk on revitalizing Khasi oral traditions through sustainable textile and fashion design. Mallai will discuss her collaboration with local artisans to create garments that celebrate Khasi culture. She will highlight her approach to integrating traditional stories and craftsmanship into contemporary fashion, using eco-friendly materials. The presentation will explore the intersection of fashion, tradition, and sustainability, emphasizing the importance of preserving cultural heritage and the environment. A 30-minute Q&A will conclude the session, offering insights into Mallai's work and the broader impact of sustainable fashion.

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Designer, animator, and academician Saheb Ram Tudu will present a 30-minute talk on his visual narration of Santhali culture. Tudu will discuss his artistic and academic endeavors to celebrate Santhali traditions and folklore through animation and visual arts. The presentation will showcase key projects exploring identity and heritage, emphasizing cultural preservation's importance. Tudu will highlight the challenges of representing indigenous cultures in modern media. The session will conclude with a 30-minute Q&A, providing an opportunity to discuss Tudu's creative process, the impact of his work, and the significance of cultural storytelling.

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Green Hub Fellows Mary Sandhya Lakra, Anita Gond, and Deepak Yadav will present their film Ummeed Uddano ki_Pankh Phela, Aasmaan Chhoone Ki (Hopes to Fly, Wings to Touch the Sky), which tackles the issue of child trafficking. The film highlights a significant rise in trafficking cases, especially involving girls under 18, with a 65% increase reported in 2014 alone. It also examines the plight of migrant children, many of whom become child laborers.

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Fashion designer Daniel Syiem will present a 30-minute talk titled "Innovating Through Sustainable Fashion." Syiem will discuss his approach to integrating Khasi cultural heritage into modern fashion, using eco-friendly materials and traditional techniques. The presentation will showcase how Syiem's designs promote environmental consciousness and cultural storytelling. He will highlight the journey of promoting sustainable practices while preserving the stories and aesthetics of Khasi culture. The session will conclude with a 30-minute Q&A, allowing attendees to discuss sustainable fashion, cultural storytelling, and eco-conscious design's future.

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