Dishom Tribal Tourism Youth Conclave 2026 held
DISHOM Tribal Tourism Youth Conclave 2026, a three-day conclave was organized by MY Bharat, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Ministry of Culture, and Ministry of Tourism (Government of India), along with Kisan Mazdoor Berojgar Manch and Project Point, in association with Xavier Institute of Social Service (XISS), Ranchi on 11 June 2026.
This conclave began with a vibrant Heritage Rally from Kali Temple to XISS Ranchi campus, showcasing the rich cultural heritage, tourism potential, and tribal diversity of India. Delegates representing 18 states and more than 250 youth participants joined the rally.
In the inaugural ceremony, distinguished guests participated including Chief Guest, Lalita Kumari State Director, MY Bharat, Jharkhand; Chief Speaker, Director, XISS, Ranchi, Dr Joseph Marianus SJ; Dr Sangram Keshari Samantaray; Dr Kishore Surin; and Imteyaz Ahmad Khan.
In her address the Chief Guest said the Dishom Tribal Tourism Youth Conclave 2026 to be a remarkable platform that brought together youth, culture, and sustainable development. She added that the heritage rally and national-level discussions have highlighted India's rich tribal heritage while encouraging young people to become active stakeholders in promoting responsible and sustainable tourism. Through MY Bharat, we are committed to empowering youth to preserve cultural heritage and contribute meaningfully to nation-building.
In his inspiring speech, Dr Kujur stated that in India, the population of the youth is around 37.1 crore taking it to almost 30% of the total population, while the tribal population is around 10.4 crore. This population today stands at a critical crossroad, facing the challenges of unemployment, migration, cultural erosion, digital exclusion, and identity crises. Still, they possess immense strengths rooted in indigenous knowledge, community values, and resilience. Through this conclave, our objective is not merely to integrate tribal communities into the mainstream, but to create a future where development and dignity go hand in hand, and one where tradition and modernity complement each other. We wish to see tribal youth emerge as leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, and custodians of their rich cultural heritage, he concluded.
During the ceremony, the prestigious DISHOM 2026 Youth Icon Awards were presented to 10 outstanding young leaders from different states for their exceptional contributions towards youth development, culture, tourism, and social leadership.
Earlier, the inaugural academic session focused on “Empowering Tribal Communities through Sustainable Tourism Policies in India.” The session was moderated by Dr Sangram Keshari Samantaray, Chairperson, Project Point. Distinguished panelists included Dr Amar Eron Tigga, Dean Academics, XISS Ranchi along with Shubhro Roy, Mentor, Project Point, and Sudha Gupta, Chairperson, Kisan Mazdoor Berojgar Manch. The discussion highlighted policy frameworks, community participation, and inclusive tourism models for tribal development.
During the second technical session on “Balancing Mining and Tourism: A Path Towards Sustainable Development” moderated by Dr Gourav Agarwal, panelists shared perspectives on environmental conservation, responsible mining practices, and sustainable tourism opportunities featuring Imteyaz Ahmad Khan along with MY Bharat volunteers from Ranchi.
Meanwhile, the third session explored the “Role of Youth in Shaping Sustainable Tourism in India.” The discussion was moderated by Divyanshi Shekhawat. Resource persons included Hamza Khan, Rafiya Naaz, and Dr Raju Mishra, who emphasized youth leadership, entrepreneurship, wellness, and community engagement in tourism promotion.
The cultural segment featured colorful performances representing the traditions of Assam, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Jharkhand, reflecting India’s unity in diversity and celebrating indigenous cultural heritage. Participants and volunteers expressed immense excitement and appreciation for the opportunity to interact with experts, policymakers, and youth leaders from across the country.
The conclave continued on day two with an exposure visit to Ulihatu, the birthplace of tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda, followed by the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue which was hosted at Ranchi University on the concluding day.
The DISHOM Tribal Tourism Youth Conclave 2026 aims to strengthen youth participation in sustainable tourism, preserve tribal heritage, and promote inclusive development through dialogue, cultural exchange, and community engagement.