Visit of the GIPARD Team to KIRTADS
17.08.2026
A three-member delegation from the Goa Institute of Public Administration and Rural Development (GIPARD) visited the Institute on 17 August 2026. The visit was planned to provide the delegation an overview of the Institute’s mandate, functions, research activities, training programmes, development initiatives, and institutional practices concerning the welfare and development of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities in Kerala.The visiting delegation comprised of Shri Vasudev Shetye, Director, GIPARD; Dr. Seema Fernandes, Aossistant Director, GIPARD; and Dr. Sarita Patil, Core Faculty in Rural Development, GIPARD.
Welcome and Institutional Presentation
The programme commenced with a warm welcome to the visiting delegation by Dr S. Bindu, Director, KIRTADS. In her address, the Director welcomed the delegates and briefly outlined the mandate and significance of the Department in the fields of research, training, development, documentation, and welfare of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities in Kerala. Following the welcome address, Dr K. S. Pradeep Kumar, Deputy Director (Training), done a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation on the Department’s functions, organisational structure, major activities, research studies, training programmes, and institutional contributions. The presentation provided an overview of the Institute’s functional areas, including Anthropological Research, Linguistic Documentation, Vigilance and Caste Verification, Training and Capacity Building, Tribal Development, and the preservation and promotion of tribal art, culture, traditional knowledge, and heritage. The presentation also highlighted the Institute’s role in supporting evidence-based policy interventions and capacity-building initiatives for Scheduled Communities.
Interaction and Knowledge ExchangeInteraction and Knowledge Exchange
An interactive session was subsequently held between the GIPARD delegation and KTDS/1041/2026-D I/435433/2026 KIRTADS officials. The session facilitated the exchange of experiences, ideas, and institutional practices in areas such as tribal development, anthropological research, training, community empowerment, rural development, documentation of indigenous knowledge, and preservation of cultural heritage. Dr Jafar K., KIRTADS, facilitated and coordinated the GIPARD delegation’s visit throughout their programme at the Department, ensuring the smooth conduct of various activities and interactions. The delegation visited the Library and Museum and it was helpful to introduce them to the Institute’s valuable collections, publications, documentation materials, and resources relating to the history, culture, society, and heritage of Scheduled Tribe communities.
The delegation also visited the Training Block and observed the ongoing activities of the Development Studies Wing. During the visit, the team had an opportunity to observe the two-day Tribal Jewellery Making and Traditional Ornaments Workshop being conducted at the Department. The delegation interacted with the participants and observed the practical demonstration and documentation of traditional tribal craftsmanship. Significance of the VisitSignificance of the Visit The visit served as a valuable platform for institutional interaction, professional exchange, and sharing of best practices between GIPARD and KIRTADS. The delegation gained an insight into the diverse academic, research, training, anthropological, linguistic, and development-oriented activities undertaken by the Department. The interaction also opened avenues to strengthen future institutional collaboration in areas such as research, training, capacity building, tribal development, rural development, documentation of indigenous knowledge, and the preservation of tribal art and cultural heritage.
Conclusion
The GIPARD delegation’s visit to the Department was informative, interactive, and productive. It provided an important opportunity for mutual learning and strengthened institutional linkages between the two organizations. The visit concluded with lunch and the delegation’s departure.
Photographs Taken During the Official Visit
