State Consultation on Indigenous Yatra – Unlocking Local Wisdom: Strategy, Collaboration, and Pathway Mapping

Bhubaneswar, March 28, 2025: Policy analysts, Govt. officials, researchers, academics, civil society members, and Indigenous community leaders have gathered in Bhubaneswar for a one-day consultation on Indigenous Yatra – Unlocking the Power of Local Wisdom to discuss, debate, and propose strategies for advancing the preservation and promotion of Indigenous knowledge systems in agriculture, nutrition, and healing practices. Ruchi Kashyap, Executive Trustee, Atmashakti Trust stated: “The objective of this consultation programme is to develop a pathway for preserving and propagating Indigenous wisdom across all sections of society and enabling reflection at national and international levels. This requires concerted collaborative efforts from all stakeholders, including the government, policymakers, CSOs, and Indigenous community groups.”

Launched on December 10, 2024, Indigenous Yatra is a pioneering initiative dedicated to revitalizing and safeguarding Indigenous wisdom. Through cultural continuity, intergenerational knowledge transfer, and self-governance, the initiative advances a global knowledge-sharing platform supporting policy integration and sustainable development.

In collaboration with Atmashakti Trust and the National Consortium to Combat Malnutrition (NCCM) Odisha, this consultation was organized to share key findings from a pilot study on “Preserving Indigenous Nutritional Heritage: The Decline of Traditional Foods and Plants in Gond Communities.” The consultation contributed to developing a roadmap for Indigenous Yatra, aimed at preserving and disseminating Indigenous knowledge while formulating strategic frameworks and partnerships for state and national engagement.

According to Saroj Suna, Member, Shramajeebee Bikash Manch, Nuapada, “Preserving and passing on the ancient agricultural practices, traditional healing systems, daily food habits, and preparation methods of the Indigenous community to future generations is crucial.”

The consultation featured in-depth discussions, expert presentations, and collaborative brainstorming sessions, including the World Café format, where participants engaged in group discussions on key themes such as cultural preservation, Indigenous practices, policy integration, and sustainability.

This event marks a crucial step in shaping the future of Indigenous knowledge preservation and ensuring its integration into development strategies.