The Kerala Institute for Research, Training and Development Studies of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (KIRTADS), Kozhikode, in collaboration with the International School of Dravidian Linguistics (ISDL), Thiruvananthapuram, organized a one-day workshop on “Tribal Language Primers: Model Development and Analysis” on 08 January 2026 at the Seminar Hall, ISDL Campus, Menamkulam, Thiruvananthapuram.

The programme commenced with a welcome address by Dr. K.S. Pradeep Kumar, Deputy Director, KIRTADS. Dr. Bindu S., Director, KIRTADS, delivered the Presidential Address, emphasizing the need for community-rooted pedagogical resources. The workshop was inaugurated by Prof. G.K. Panicker, Director, ISDL, who highlighted the significance of mother-tongue education in strengthening cultural identity and holistic learning.

Felicitations were offered by Prof. (Dr.) M. Sreenathan, Senior Fellow, ISDL; Dr. Shyam S. K., University of Kerala; Dr. N. Muraleedharan Nair, Senior Research Fellow, ISDL; and eminent writer Sri. Vasudevan Cheekkallur. Dr. Lijisha A.T., Research Assistant, KIRTADS, delivered the vote of thanks.

Following the inaugural session, Dr. Pradeep Kumar K.S. and Dr. Lijisha A.T. presented the concept and objectives of the workshop, introducing the ongoing initiative to prepare mother-tongue-based primers and learning support materials for Kerala’s tribal communities.