WITH Festival Showcases Diverse Performances Celebrating Indigenous Storytelling

Indigenous Wisdom Meets Modern Innovation at Anant National University's International Events

On February 21, Ahmedabad's Anant National University became a hub of global discourse on sustainability and Indigenous wisdom by hosting two significant international events. The International Conference on Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices: Designing Sustainable Futures, alongside the 3rd edition of the WITH Festival (India edition), gathered thought leaders, policymakers, and artists from around the world. These events aimed to explore and promote solutions rooted in traditional knowledge while seamlessly integrating contemporary advancements.

The 3rd edition of the WITH Festival, themed "Borderless – Global Indigenous Futures," focused on Indigenous storytelling through contemporary media. Led by Dr Anunaya Chaubey and Dr Rajendra Singh, the conference featured keynote addresses by Prof. Sonajharia Minz and Prof. Rishi Narain Singh. Experts from around the world presented research and engaged in discussions on climate change, social inequalities, and economic instability, all viewed through the lens of Indigenous wisdom.

As the exclusive host of WITH 2025 in India, Anant University showcased performances by artists preserving Indigenous knowledge through music, theatre, and storytelling. Delegates from 18 countries participated in the international conference, underscoring Anant's commitment to sustainability and cultural preservation. The WITH Festival featured diverse performances, including those by Kashmiri folk artists, a skateboarder-rapper from Madhya Pradesh, a rock-fusion band from Meghalaya, and artists from Majuli, Assam. Through workshops and interactive sessions, the event fostered dialogue between tradition and innovation. These immersive experiences reflected Anant's DesignX philosophy and its commitment to developing sustainability-driven problem solvers.

Earlier, Santosh Zokarkar had welcomed the speakers and delegates at the press meet. Dr Rajendra Singh highlighted the growing threat to shared resources despite the core outputs of development. He noted that cities like Delhi and Mumbai face severe pollution and water shortages. While these challenges are global, he stressed that solutions must come from the local level and emphasized the need for collective will to implement them and restore natural resources.

He also mentioned that at Anant National University, he has partnered with Pro Vice-Chancellor Dr. Anunaya Chaubey and his dedicated team. Together, they have worked tirelessly to develop innovative solutions through design and media interventions, aiming to address these critical issues and promote sustainable change for a better future. Dr Anunaya Chaubey emphasized Anant National University's belief in the timeless wisdom of Indigenous knowledge for a sustainable future. He noted that the events fostered dialogue between tradition and innovation, inspiring young minds to create solutions that blend heritage with progress, also stressing the importance of introducing 'Design' as a fourth major stream in India’s education system, highlighting that today's youth are well-equipped to address conservation and sustainability through design thinking and diverse media.

These events at Anant National University underscored the importance of integrating Indigenous wisdom with modern advancements to promote sustainability and inspire future generations to blend heritage with progress.

Editor's Note:

The International Conference on Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices: Designing Sustainable Futures, alongside the 3rd edition of the WITH Festival (India edition), brought together a remarkable group of thought leaders, policymakers, and artists. These events highlighted the critical role of traditional knowledge in shaping sustainable futures while embracing contemporary advancements. By honouring and integrating Indigenous wisdom, Anant National University reaffirms its commitment to fostering a harmonious balance between heritage and innovation. The university continues to inspire the next generation to design solutions that are deeply rooted in tradition yet forward-thinking. 

Skoobuzz believes that these events serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of combining traditional knowledge with modern innovations to tackle global challenges, particularly in the fields of sustainability and cultural preservation.