Day 2 of TDF Kohima Bootcamp Showcases Fusion of AR/VR Technology, Art, and Sustainable Tourism
- October 03 2024 : Tribal Design Forum -

Participants immerse in the art, culture, and daily life of the Warli Tribal Community of Mumbai

The second day of the TDF Bootcamp Kohima, hosted at The Heritage, Kohima, focused on a dynamic blend of art, technology, tourism, and fashion, highlighting the intersection of design interventions with tribal communities.

The day began with a welcome address from Margaret Zinyu, founder of Woven Thread, followed by Vizovono Elizabeth, who provided participants with a comprehensive historical and contemporary overview of Kohima. Angula Zoe Longkumar also contributed insights into the anthology of Nagaland.

In the second session, Arak M Sangma, a clay artist and founder of A Kakki Studio from Meghalaya, showcased the Garo culture through his clay work. He led an interactive workshop, explaining the deep cultural connection between the Garos and clay, engaging participants with hands-on creative experiences.

Panel Discussion : From left: Anupam Purti (Rumbul), Rohan K Abraham (India Trail), Rida Goteph (Dakti Craft), Veyielo Doulo (Nagaland Government's Department of Tourism), and Dr. Anugrah Pandi (Moderator)

The third session featured architect Ankur Chandran from Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute of Architecture and Environmental Studies, Mumbai. His presentation, titled 'Forest in the Project', focused on the Aarey Forest and the use of augmented and virtual reality to immerse participants in the Warli tribal community's lifestyle, art, and culture in the Aarey Forest of Mumbai.

After lunch, Gopal Krishnan from Dakti Craft, Meghalaya, discussed the Meghalayan Age project, emphasizing how design interventions and government support are economically empowering tribal communities in Meghalaya by giving them international exposure.

This was followed by a panel discussion on tourism, featuring Deputy Director Orenponi Tungoe from the Nagaland Department of Tourism, Rida Goteph from Dakti Craft, Rohan K Abraham from India Trail, and Anupam Purti from Rumbul.

Fashion designer Deniel Syiem with showstopper Kevulu Tetseo at TDF Kohima Bootcamp

The discussion, moderated by Dr. Anugrah Pandi, focused on sustainable tourism and design interventions that benefit tribal communities, with Doulo offering insights into Nagaland's government initiatives in tourism.

The day concluded with a captivating fashion show, showcasing the ethnic designs of fashion designer Daniel Syiem. The show was elevated by the appearance of Kuvelu from the Tetseo Sisters as the showstopper, leaving the audience enthralled.

The second day of the Tribal Bootcamp exemplified how design, culture, and tourism can merge to create a platform for tribal empowerment and global representation.

Photo of the ramp walk featuring a model in ethnic garments designed by Deniel Syiem.

Ariba Anar,
Media Coordinator,
Tribal Design Forum,
Kohima,Nagaland
www.tribaldesignforum.com
[email protected]