NESTS Showcases Tribal Knowledge, Culture, and Education Initiatives in Delhi

The event highlighted the organization’s holistic approach to empowering tribal youth through quality education while preserving and promoting India’s rich tribal heritage.

 

In a vibrant celebration of innovation, culture, and inclusive education, the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) organized a special event at its Headquarters in New Delhi to present its recent Knowledge Management, Capacity Building, Educational, and Cultural Initiatives. The event highlighted the organization’s holistic approach to empowering tribal youth through quality education while preserving and promoting India’s rich tribal heritage.

---

Showcasing Tribal Knowledge and Culture

The event was graced by Shri Vibhu Nayar, Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, who released a series of key publications and creative compilations that reflect the diversity and talent nurtured under the NESTS framework. Among these were:

• GI-Tagged Tribal Painting Compilation

• Teacher, Student, and Class Monitor Diaries

• Compendiums of Circulars for Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs)

Each release represented a thoughtful step toward improving institutional efficiency, educational quality, and cultural appreciation in EMRSs spread across India.

---

“Canvas of Tribal Culture” — Celebrating GI-Tagged Art Forms

In a first-of-its-kind initiative, EMRS students themselves brought alive Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged tribal paintings, showcasing their creativity and connection to indigenous art forms. These paintings—representing traditions like Warli (Maharashtra), Gond (Madhya Pradesh), Pattachitra (Odisha), Sohrai (Jharkhand), and Pithora (Gujarat)—formed the basis of a compilation titled Canvas of Tribal Culture, unveiled during the event.

To further promote awareness of these unique cultural expressions, an exhibition of the paintings will be organized in November 2025, bringing national visibility to the artistry and imagination of tribal students.

“These creative expressions reflect the soul of India’s tribal heritage,” noted Shri Vibhu Nayar. “Through such initiatives, education becomes not just a means to learning, but a celebration of identity and culture.”

---

Innovative Educational Tools for EMRS Ecosystem

To strengthen school administration and enhance learning outcomes, NESTS has introduced a series of customized academic diaries designed for various stakeholders within the EMRS ecosystem.

• Teacher Diary: Enables educators to plan lessons, record classroom observations, and engage in reflective teaching for professional development.

• Student Diary: Encourages students to log academic and co-curricular progress, fostering accountability, time management, and self-reflection.

• Class Monitor Diary: Promotes leadership and teamwork by helping student monitors coordinate classroom and extracurricular responsibilities.

These diaries are expected to standardize practices across Eklavya Model Residential Schools, improving monitoring and documentation of both academic and non-academic activities.

---

Consolidation of Knowledge Resources

Recognizing the need for streamlined governance, NESTS has compiled its administrative and academic circulars—which cover areas such as school management, construction, administration, and academics—into two comprehensive volumes:

• Volume I: Construction Circulars

• Volume II: Administrative and Academic Circulars

These compilations serve as a ready reference for EMRS administrators and principals, ensuring uniform implementation of policies across all schools.

---

Recognizing Excellence in EMRS Community

The event also celebrated the exemplary contributions of EMRS educators:

• Shri Asad Ahmad, Principal, EMRS Chhuri Kala (Chhattisgarh), received the National Recognition Certificate (2024–25) for being the Best EMRS Teacher.

• Shri Praveen Kumar Mishra, Principal, EMRS Butyagudam (Andhra Pradesh), was felicitated for his institution being recognized as the Cleanest Residential School under the Swachh Andhra–Swarn Andhra initiative.

Their achievements reflect NESTS’ growing emphasis on teacher excellence, innovation, and school leadership in driving transformation in tribal education.

---

Major Initiatives and Progress Review

A detailed presentation by Commissioner, NESTS provided insights into the organization’s recent strides in improving quality and access in tribal education. Key highlights included:

• Introduction of Skill-Based Subjects in EMRSs to enhance employability and vocational readiness.

• Launch of the “Tribal Corner Initiative” to create dedicated spaces within EMRSs celebrating tribal literature, arts, and community traditions.

• Student participation in national-level programs such as the Rashtriya Bal Vaigyanik Pradarshani and INSPIRE–MANAK Scheme, showcasing innovations by tribal youth.

• Updates from the Finance and Civil Divisions on ongoing construction projects, infrastructure modernization, and fund utilization across the EMRS network.

---

NESTS: Empowering Tribal Students Nationwide

Established under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, NESTS oversees the functioning of Eklavya Model Residential Schools, which aim to provide high-quality education to tribal students from Class VI to XII, focusing on academics, culture, sports, and life skills. Currently, hundreds of EMRSs are operational or under development across India, serving as incubators of talent, inclusivity, and empowerment in tribal regions.

Under NESTS’ leadership, these schools are being transformed into centres of holistic education, integrating modern curricula with tribal culture, environmental consciousness, and digital learning.

---

Voices of Encouragement and Collaboration

Commending the achievements, Secretary Vibhu Nayar praised the innovative and culturally responsive strategies adopted by NESTS. He highlighted that such initiatives nurture creativity, enhance learning outcomes, and instill pride in India’s diverse tribal identities.

“Education rooted in culture builds confidence and belonging. The efforts of NESTS officials, EMRS Principals, and teachers are laying the foundation for an empowered generation of tribal youth who will contribute meaningfully to national growth,” Shri Nayar stated.

The event concluded with an interactive brainstorming session, where officers and educators shared ideas to further enhance student engagement, innovation, and community outreach in EMRSs.

---

Looking Ahead

The day’s proceedings reflected a renewed vision — where tribal education is not just about academic success, but about preserving heritage, building leadership, and creating pathways for sustainable livelihoods. NESTS continues to position itself as a key driver of this transformation, ensuring that India’s tribal youth are not left behind in the nation’s journey toward inclusive growth and Viksit Bharat @2047.