Presidential Address in Santiniketan
“Moments like these remind us that the strength of democratic institutions lies not only in law, but also in the culture of respect that surrounds them,” stated Droupadi Murmu, India’s first tribal President, during her speech at the International Santhal Conference held at Visva-Bharati University on March 7, 2026.
The conference, which aims to celebrate and discuss the rich cultural heritage of the Santhal community, was marked by Murmu’s poignant remarks on the importance of fostering respect within democratic frameworks. Her presence at the event was significant, given her role as a leader representing marginalized communities in India.
However, the event faced challenges as the venue was shifted at the last minute due to a lack of permission, a situation that added an unexpected layer of complexity to the proceedings. Murmu expressed disappointment over the absence of West Bengal’s Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and other senior ministers, highlighting the need for greater political engagement with cultural events.
The International Santhal Conference is part of a broader effort to recognize and promote the contributions of indigenous communities to India’s cultural landscape. This aligns with the legacy of Nandalal Bose, a pivotal figure in Indian art, who believed that art should be as accessible as air. His works aimed to decolonize the Indian mind and make art a part of everyday life.
In conjunction with the conference, an exhibition titled ‘Colours of Swades’ will showcase the Haripura panels created by Nandalal Bose. These panels, which depict the life of the soil, were originally staged at a political gathering in Haripura, Gujarat, in 1938. Nidhi Choudhari, a curator of the exhibition, remarked, “The Haripura panels were never intended to be museum objects in the conventional sense.” This sentiment reflects Bose’s vision of art as a living, breathing entity that interacts with society.
Choudhari further emphasized the role of technology in bridging the historical gap, stating, “Technology is a tool of interpretation. It helps visitors step closer into the world Bose imagined.” The exhibition will be on display at the National Gallery of Modern Art from March 9 to April 9, allowing a wider audience to engage with Bose’s artistic legacy.
As the International Santhal Conference unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing dialogue between culture and democracy in India. The convergence of historical art and contemporary political discourse at Visva-Bharati University underscores the importance of cultural respect in nurturing democratic values.
