The history of tribal communities is intrinsically linked to the very existence of humanity on Earth. Tribal culture holds a special place in India’s heritage, with deep roots in the Sanatan tradition. This is epitomised in the story of Lord Shri Ram, who, during his exile in Chhattisgarh, is said to have eaten the berries offered by Mata Shabari, a tribal woman. This connection reflects the profound bond between tribal identity and the broader cultural fabric of India, according to Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai. He made these remarks while addressing a workshop ‘Tribal Identity, Survival, and Development’ at the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Auditorium in Raipur on Thursday. The Chief Minister expressed pride in leadership of PM Modi, who, he said, has shown great sensitivity towards the identity and heritage of tribal communities.

 

He also highlighted the election of Droupadi Murmu, a member of the tribal community, as the President of India, calling it a significant milestone in nation’s recognition of tribal communities. Sai further emphasised that the tribal community is culturally rich and plays a key role in preserving the values of Indian society. He noted that tribal communities have long been vocal against societal evils and have contributed greatly to the protection of India’s culture and independence.

 

This was reflected in the Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, celebrated across the country from November 13 to 15, an initiative by Prime Minister Modi to honor the contributions of tribal leaders. On the developmental front, the Chief Minister spoke about the state’s efforts to establish peace in the Bastar region, where the BJP government has made significant progress within just 11 months of assuming power. One of the standout initiatives has been the Niyad Nella Naar scheme, which aims to bring government schemes to remote tribal areas. Besides 34 new security camps have been established in Bastar, ensuring that around 96 villages are benefiting from government welfare programs. Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap, who also spoke at the event, underscored the importance of such gatherings for educating future generations about the rich history of tribal heroes. He emphasized that it is the duty of the present generation to pass on these values to the next. Atul Jog delivered the keynote address, while BJP leaders Pawan Sai and Anurag Jain also addressed the symposium. Secretary of the Higher Education Department, Prasanna R, provided an overview of the various schemes implemented by the Chhattisgarh government to support tribal students, further reinforcing the state’s commitment to tribal welfare and development.