About Us

The Academy of Tribal Languages and Culture (ATLC), previously known as the Academy of Tribal Dialects and Culture (ATDC), was established in 1979 by the Government of Odisha under the ST and SC Development Department, which conferred autonomous status to the Academy. Subsequently, the Academy was registered under the Society Registration Act, 1860, with Registration No. 158/523/1979–80.

Between 2000 and 2009, the Governing Body, satisfied with the Academic multifaceted activities, decided to rename it from the Academy of Tribal Dialects and Culture to the Academy of Tribal Languages and Culture (ATLC). The Academy is now housed at the Adivasi Exhibition Ground, Unit-I, Bhubaneswar.

Since its inception, the Academy has actively pursued its objectives. Its primary mission is to preserve, promote, and propagate tribal languages, culture, traditions, values, arts and crafts, and beliefs.

The Academy has documented tribal songs, dramas, dances, audio cassettes, LP discs, and photographs for preservation and propagation.It has also published books on tribal languages, folk literature, music, musical instruments, housing patterns, and more. The Academys annual souvenir, "Banaja," invites contributions from scholars, researchers, and literature enthusiasts, and is inaugurated by the Honorable Chief Minister of Odisha during the Adivasi Mela. Additionally, the Academy publishes the students’ magazine “Sargiful,” featuring stories, poems, and paintings by schoolchildren from the SSD Department. The Academy has organized language training programs in various TSP areas to impart language skills to field workers and teachers, enhancing their working knowledge of tribal languages. Currently, these programs are organized by "SAMHATI," SCSTRTI. The Academy also offers guidance and consultancy services to scholars, filmmakers, writers, NGOs, and government institutions interested in tribal societies and their cultures.

To promote tribal livelihoods and propagate tribal culture, traditions, art and craft, dance, music, lifestyle, indigenous practices, and heritage, ATLC organizes the Annual Adivasi Mela. To encourage tribal children in SSD department schools, the Academy organizes the State Level Students’ Festival "Sargiful." It also sponsors tribal cultural troupes for various national, state, and district-level festivals and Mahotsavs.