CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu, a constituent of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research under the Union Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India, celebrated Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas.As part of the celebrations, CSIR-IIIM organized an educational tour for more than 75 tribal students from the districts of Jammu, Rajouri, and Poonch. The students were exposed to various scientific activities at the institute, providing them with a real-time, hands-on experience in research laboratories. Short movie documentaries on important issues and subjects were also shown to the students.An impressive program was held in the institute’s auditorium, attended by Dr Musheer Ahmed Mirza, Director of Tribal Affairs Department, J&K, Dr Javaid Rahi, a noted Gujjar scholar, and Prof Mushtaq Ahmed, a professor in the Centre for Molecular Biology at the Central University of Jammu.

Dr Zabeer Ahmed, Director of CSIR-IIIM, welcomed the tribal students and briefed them about the institute’s mandate and activities, emphasizing the importance of their visit for gaining knowledge and awareness.Keynote speaker Dr Javaid Rahi explained the genealogy and development of tribal culture and societies through the ages. He emphasized the importance of preserving indigenous ways of life and culture, encouraging students to take pride in their identity and achieve their true potential.Prof Mushtaq Ahmed from the Central University of Jammu urged students to broaden their horizons beyond traditional employment avenues. Dr Musheer Ahmed, Director of Tribal Affairs Department, highlighted various schemes and plans of the Government of J&K for promoting education and the all-round development of tribal students. He informed about the Eklavaya Residential Schools initiated by the government to promote the all-round personality development of students from remote areas.

Er Abdul Rahim, presenting the vote of thanks, encouraged the young students to prioritize education for a better future and societal upliftment. He expressed hope that the visit would ignite the minds of the students, inspiring them to pursue their dreams. In the evening, a cultural program showcasing the rich tribal traditions and folk culture of J&K was held, with the visiting students also presenting their performances.