During a workshop titled ‘Ethnography and Documentation of Culture’ at the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL) in Mysuru, Sunita Reddy, a faculty member at Jawaharlal Nehru University, stressed the urgent need for authentic documentation of India's rich cultural traditions. The three-day event, which commenced on Sunday, aims to bring together scholars, researchers, and cultural practitioners to enhance ethnographic research and documentation practices. Reddy highlighted ethnography as an essential field-based research method that captures lived experiences beyond theoretical frameworks.

Chamarajanagar University vice-chancellor MR Gangadhar noted the importance of preserving both tangible and intangible cultural heritage in a rapidly globalizing world, emphasizing that culture is central to human identity. He warned that modernization and digitalization pose significant challenges to traditional knowledge systems, making systematic documentation a critical responsibility. Devaraju A, commissioner of the department of archaeology and museums in Mysuru, pointed out that India often relies on external narratives due to gaps in indigenous documentation practices. Amitabh Pande, director of the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya (IGRMS), highlighted the need for practical applications in research and the importance of continuous learning in ethnographic practice. The workshop adopts an interactive approach to foster critical thinking and collaborative learning among participants.