Under the “Tribal Pride Festival 2026” observed on 22 May 2026, a State-Level Online Seminar on the theme “Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Technology in Tribal Leadership-Based Sustainable Development” was organized at the Tribal Research and Training Institute (TRTI), Nava Raipur.

The programme was inaugurated by Shri Sonmani Bora, IAS, Secretary, Department of Tribal Development, through the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. Addressing the workshop organized under the aegis of the Department of Tribal Development, Shri Bora highlighted that the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology in administration has enhanced transparency, reduced time consumption, and enabled prompt resolution of citizens’ grievances from remote locations.

Assistant Commissioners, Tribal Development, and Project Administrators from various districts of the state participated in the seminar through video conferencing.

He further informed that extensive use of digital technologies has been implemented at the Chhattisgarh Tribal Museum and Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Museum, positioning Chhattisgarh among the leading states in this domain.

The Principal Secretary stated that AI can play a significant role in preserving traditional tribal knowledge, improving healthcare services in remote areas, digitizing minor forest produce and agricultural markets, facilitating education in local languages, enhancing skill development, and ensuring easy access to information and benefits of government schemes. He emphasized that the use of AI in tribal development is rapidly expanding.

During the workshop, Shri Satyesh Sharma, Director (IT), NIC, shared valuable insights on various dimensions of Artificial Intelligence and AI Governance.

The workshop also acknowledged Padma Shri awardee Shri Ajay Mandavi of Kanker district, who was honoured by the Government of India for transforming the lives of over 400 Naxal inmates through tribal woodcraft.

Director of TRTI, Ms. Hina Animesh Netam, informed that extensive digital technologies are being integrated within the Chhattisgarh Tribal Museum and Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Museum under TRTI, including AI-based innovations and initiatives.

Padma Shri awardee and tribal woodcraft expert Shri Ajay Mandavi, NIC scientific/technical expert Shri Satyesh Sharma, Scientist-C Ms. Jyoti Sharma, IIM expert Shri Amit Kumar, SAMARTHAN representative Shri Devidas Nimje, NIT expert Dr. Rakesh Tripathi, IIIT Nava Raipur expert Dr. Ramakrishna, tribal subject expert Shri Ashwini Kange, Additional Director Shri Sanjay Gaur, and Joint Director Ms. Gayatri Netam shared their views during the programme. Tribal subject experts also addressed the seminar. The successful organization of the workshop received special support from FES.

The programme was jointly conducted by Additional Director Shri Sanjay Gaur and Joint Director Ms. Gayatri Netam, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Ms. Gayatri Netam.