10th National Tribal Convention to be Held in Goa on International Tribal Rights Day

The Adivasi Samanvay Manch Bharat, along with the Gakuved Federation, Goa, in association with the Directorate of Art and Culture, Government of Goa, is set to host the 10th National Convention on the occasion of International Tribal Rights Day. The event will be held on September 12–13, 2025, at the Manohar Parrikar Indoor Stadium, Navelim, Margao.

The convention will bring together tribal leaders, activists, scholars, scientists, and concerned citizens from across India to engage in dialogue on the challenges, rights, and contributions of indigenous communities.

Chief Guest Dr. Ramesh Tawadkar, Minister for Tribal Welfare, Art & Culture, and Sports & Youth Affairs, will inaugurate the event. Guest of Honour Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar, MLA of Sanvordem, and Distinguished Guest Antonio Vas, MLA of Cortalim, will also address the gathering. Dhaku Madkaikar, Chairman of North Goa Zilla Panchayat, will be the Special Guest.

Programme Highlights

The two-day schedule includes:

• September 12: Inaugural session, state-wise group discussions, symposiums on challenges facing nature, constitutional provisions for tribals, and international indigenous rights, followed by a cultural programme.
• September 13: A cultural rally from Lohia Maidan to the venue, sessions on ecological challenges, women’s debates on traditional and legal rights, and a Goa Declaration outlining future programmes.

A Decade of Tribal Conventions

Since its founding in 2015, Adivasi Samanvay Manch Bharat has organised annual national conferences across India, with past venues including Delhi, Nagpur, Ranchi, Mysuru, Bhiloda, Diphu, Raipur, Bhadrachalam, and Solan. This year’s Goa convention marks the 10th milestone gathering in the movement’s journey.

The platform has consistently worked towards safeguarding nature and tribal existence, building on international milestones such as the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (2007) and the recognition of August 9 as International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples (1995).

Global and Local Relevance

Indigenous communities, who, despite constituting only 6% of the world’s population, safeguard 80% of global biodiversity and sustain more than 57% of the world’s languages.

In an era of ecological crises and rapid technological disruption, the convention seeks to strengthen voices for sustainability, coexistence, and cultural heritage.