TEZU, Oct 13: Behelti Ama and Sareng Rangmang, both artists from Wakro in Lohit district, received applause for Arunachal, as their artworks beautifully highlighted the association of tiger and the Mishmis at the 4th edition of the art exhibition “Silent Conversation: From Margins to the Centre’ at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi that concluded on Sunday
Inaugurated by the former President of India, Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday last, the exhibition was organized by the Sankala Foundation with the support of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), a statutory body under the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), and the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA). Over 50 tribal artists from across 17 states (that host tiger reserves) participated in the show, featuring Gond, Warli, and Saura artists apart from Arunachal.
The 2nd day of the exhibition saw a national conference on ‘Tribal Arts and India’s Conservation Ethos, which was inaugurated by Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Culture. Lauding the artists, he stated that he is committed to organizing more large-scale events for artists to showcase the work of marginalized artists in prestigious venues like Lalit Kala Akademi, the National Museum, New Delhi and biennales.
The exhibition aimed to spread awareness about the conservation ethos of tribal communities and other forest-dwellers, particularly India’s tiger reserves. It provided an opportunity to city-dwellers to learn more about various issues related to tiger conservation, habitat protection, and the symbiotic relationship between nature and these communities.
Sharing her joy for being selected for the 3rd year in the exhibition, Behelti Ama, library volunteer and a member of the ‘Wakro Sisters’, conveyed the deep gratitude of all artists to the NTCA and Sankala Foundation for providing a wonderful platform to tribal artists who share a unique bond with tigers and wildlife. “It’s an incredible feeling to be involved in such a meaningful exhibition. This initiative offers vital support and encouragement—something every artist truly values.” She also conveyed her heartfelt thanks to Kamlang Tiger Reserve for being a constant support over the past three years.