Tribal families are getting new opportunities in education, livelihood, health, and development: President Droupadi Murmu

Raipur, 20 November

President Smt Droupadi Murmu described the central government-run ‘Aadi Karmyogi Abhiyan’, ‘Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan’, and ‘Prime Minister Janman Abhiyan’ as significant steps for the upliftment of the tribal community. She said that all these schemes are providing millions of tribal families across the country with new opportunities in education, livelihood, health, and development. President Shrimati Murmu was addressing the Tribal Pride Day programme held on Thursday in Ambikapur.

President Smt Murmu said that India is the mother of democracy, and its reflection can also be seen in tribal traditions like Bastar’s ‘Muria Darbar’. The tribal heritage of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha is extremely rich and interconnected and during her tenure, the ‘Janjatiya Darpan’ museum was established at Rashtrapati Bhavan, giving special prominence to tribal art and culture. In her address, she praised the Chhattisgarh government and Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai for celebrating Janjatiya Gaurav Pakhwada- Tribal Pride Fortnight, establishing the Tribal Freedom Fighters’ Museum, and implementing government schemes effectively. She added that at the ‘Aadi Karmyogi’ national convention held in Delhi, the Chhattisgarh Tribal Development Department received the national award for excellent work. She congratulated Chief Minister Shri Sai and his entire team for this achievement.

Chhattisgarh Governor Shri Ramen Deka said that Janjatiya Gaurav Divas – Tribal Pride Day is a day to remember one’s identity, cultural heritage, and the brave ancestors who filled tribal history with glorious chapters. Paying respect to the country’s President Smt Droupadi Murmu at the event, the Governor said that her inspiring journey from a simple family to the highest constitutional position in the nation is an example for the entire country. Referring to Lord Birsa Munda’s 150th birth anniversary, the Governor recalled many inspiring aspects of his personality and struggle. He said that Lord Birsa Munda led courageous campaigns against alcoholism, injustice, and superstition. The historic ‘Ulgulan’ movement under his leadership challenged British rule and gave a new direction to the fight for tribal self-respect and rights. He also said that great heroes and martyrs like Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh, Raja Gend Singh, Kangla Manjhi, Veer Sitaram Kanwar, and Gundadhur elevated the independence movement and tribal pride through their sacrifice and struggle. Their contributions will always remain immortal in the state’s memory.

Chief Minister Shri Sai, in his address, said that Chhattisgarh is fortunate that the President participated in the programme despite her busy schedule, enhancing the state’s prestige. Referring to the President’s recent meeting with families affected by Naxal violence, the Chief Minister said that she personally inquired about each family, showing her compassionate side.

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that Chhattisgarh has a rich history and its tribal community made invaluable contributions to the country’s freedom struggle. He mentioned that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi also attended the recent 1st November Silver Jubilee event of Chhattisgarh statehood and inaugurated a museum based on tribal heroes of the freedom struggle. He said that to preserve the memory of tribal rebellion heroes, the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Memorial-cum-Museum was built, which was dedicated to the public by the Prime Minister on State Formation Day. This is the country’s first tribal museum, where the tribal legacy can be viewed digitally. He added that it is a matter of pride for everyone that today, families of tribal rebellion heroes and freedom fighters are being honoured by the President herself. Tribal and sub-tribal leaders, who continually raise awareness in the community through their knowledge and experience, were also felicitated.

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that under the Prime Minister Janman Yojana, rapid development work is underway in 2,365 settlements across 53 development blocks of the state. Similarly, under the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, development benefits are being extended to 6,691 villages in 32 districts of Chhattisgarh. He said that the collection amount for tendu leaf gatherers has been increased from ₹4,000 to ₹5,500, and the distribution of Charan Paduka has been resumed. He added that due to the strong determination of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, Naxalism is now in its final phase, and the state is moving rapidly towards the goal of completely eliminating it by March 2026. He said that the welfare policies of the Chhattisgarh government have brought development to Naxal-affected areas. Thanks to attractive rehabilitation policies, many wayward individuals have rejoined the mainstream and are leading peaceful lives. Through the Niyad Nella Nar scheme, basic facilities are being expanded in remote areas, and various government schemes continue to benefit the tribal communities.

Union Minister of State Shri Durgadas Uikey said that Lord Birsa Munda was not only a hero of Jharkhand or the tribal community but a symbol of dignity, respect, pride, honour, and social justice for the entire country. He dedicated every moment of his life to public welfare and the struggle for freedom. He organised his community and taught them the values of self-respect and independence. The Union Minister added that Lord Birsa Munda was not only a warrior but also a social reformer and spiritual guide. His life teaches that anyone, regardless of the society they are born into, can change history if they have true dedication and self-realisation. He said that in the post-independence era, great tribal leaders, freedom fighters, and eminent personalities across the country are being recognised and given their rightful place in history. Memorials are being built at the birthplaces of tribal heroes, and tribal worship sites are being restored.
Minister of Tribal Development Shri Ram Vichar Netam said that on 15 November, the country and state celebrated Tribal Pride Day on the occasion of Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary. In the same context, today’s grand event is being held, whose prestige has multiplied many times due to the presence of the President. He said that thanks to the efforts and inspiration of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the tradition of celebrating Tribal Pride Day began on the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, and today, on his 151st birth anniversary, it is highly significant that tribal communities across the country have come together again. The main objective of the event is to remember the glorious history of the tribal community, preserve it, and inspire future directions.

*Tribal Dance Teams Awarded*
President Smt. Murmu awarded the winners of the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Folk Art Festival dance competition, including the first-place winner Lingo Gotul Mandari Nacha Party from Kondagaon, and the first-place winner of the North Chhattisgarh Tribal Folk Art Festival (Karma Mahotsav), Jai Mata Di Karma Dance Party from Kansaabel. During the event, Chief Minister Shri Sai and Shri Deka presented mementos symbolic of Lord Birsa Munda and a wall painting to the President, respectively.

Finance Minister Shri Omprakash Choudhary, Tourism and Culture Minister Shri Rajesh Agrawal, Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap, Health Minister Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Laxmi Rajwade, MP Shri Chintamani Maharaj, MLAs Shri Purandar Mishra and Shri Kiran Singh Deo, and Ambikapur Mayor Smt. Manjusha Bhagat were also present.