A youth led initiative to preserve Saura culture 
A grassroots initiative by an SBI Youth for India Fellow, in partnership with Gram Vikas and Mahendratanaya Ashram School, Koinpur village, Gajapati district, Odisha.

Note: SBI, SBI Foundation and affiliates are not involved in project execution or fundraising.

At Mahendratanaya Ashram School, nearly 98% of students are predominantly Saura adivasis and first generation adivasi students.
As the saura are classified as a PVTG, preserving their rich artistic traditions, lifestyle, and cultural heritage is more critical now than ever. Despite their strong presence, interest in Saura art and culture is rapidly diminishing among the younger generation.
During my time at school, I was struck by the students' creativity and eagerness to learn. While senior students once created beautiful Idital paintings, their interest has not yet passed on to the younger ones. To keep this tradition alive, we aim to spark curiosity and nurture skills like Idital and other Saura inspired arts and craft among current students.
The project will establish a Saura Culture Club and Saura Tribal Museum, where students engage in activities to preserve and promote Saura art, traditions and identity. The initiative will reignite interest in Saura culture and create a sense of pride and belonging among the students. The museum space will provide a space to showcase student artwork, celebrate Saura heritage, host exhibitions and visitors and serve as the heart of the culture club's activities.