A delegation representing tribal communities of Tripura, India, has visited Bournemouth University to showcase the rich heritage of the region and deepen relationships.
Accompanied by Mr Pradyot Bikram Manikya, Head of the Royal Family of Tripura and Chairman of the Advisory and Administrative Reforms Committee, the delegation is visiting the UK during India Week to share the culture of their region.
Tripura in Northeast India is home to 19 different indigenous tribes, each with its own language, customs and artistic expression. Performers from the region shared a traditional dance as Bournemouth University leaders learned more about the region and its history and society.
The dance troupe performed for the first time outside India, with audience members witnessing the traditional dance, accompanied by indigenous instruments, reflecting the spiritual, celebratory ad everyday life of Tripura’s tribes.
Mr Pradyot Bikram Manikya said of the visit, “This visit to the prestigious Bournemouth University is not just about performing on a stage, it’s about bringing the stories, traditions, and dreams of the indigenous people of Tripura to a global audience. For our people back home, this is a historic moment, the first time our cultural performers have performed outside India, showing what is possible when institutions like Bournemouth University open their doors to lesser-known and untapped regions like Northeast India.
“We are deeply grateful to Bournemouth University, Vice-Chancellor Professor Alison Honour, and the entire university leadership for warmly welcoming us and recognising the importance of cultural exchange. We are also humbled by the warmth shown by the students, faculty, and organisers, who made this exchange possible. This is not just a performance; it’s a dream come true for many in our villages and a testament to the fact that the voices of our people matter, even across oceans.”
The event was organised by Pratik Dattani, Founder of Bridge India. He said, “India Week is the most significant annual celebration of bilateral economic and cultural ties between the UK and India. The “India Story” abroad often excludes the less-known Northeast region of India.
“I am delighted that Bournemouth University, with its own vibrant and diverse Indian student community, was able to host this one-of-a-kind delegation from Tripura. It was the first time these dancers performed outside India, and the reception from Bournemouth, including Vice Chancellor Alison Honour, was absolutely wonderful. We look forward to building further bridges between Bournemouth and India.”
Professor Alison Honour, Vice-Chancellor of Bournemouth University, spoke to the delegation ahead of their performance. She said, “Throughout my career I have worked closely with colleagues in India and am delighted to discuss areas in which we can continue to grow in our own knowledge of the country, and deepen collaboration between Bournemouth and India, I am so grateful to the delegation for their time and their passion for their region”.
AbouBakr Fathalla, Strategic Lead Global Engagement at Bournemouth University, said, “Our thanks go to the delegation from Tripura for their time and the wonderful, rich performances and incredible talent. We were pleased to learn more about the history and significance of this region of India and we’re looking forward to continued collaboration.”
For more information about Bournemouth University’s work in India, visit the BU website.
