Vice-President Urges Respect for Tribal Culture and Warns Against Attempts to Undermine Tribal Beliefs

Udaipur, 16 Nov 2024: In a powerful address at the Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram in Udaipur, on the occasion of Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s 150th birth anniversary, Vice-President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar highlighted the importance of preserving the cultural heritage of India’s tribal community. He emphasized that tribal culture is the pride of the nation and must be respected both nationally and internationally.

https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1857704142912799025

Shri Dhankhar voiced concern over attempts to change the beliefs and practices of tribal communities, describing these efforts as “conspiratorial” and aimed at undermining the community’s rich cultural foundation. “The efforts being made to change our faith through smooth words and deceptive means are malicious,” he said, stressing the need to control such activities that threaten the integrity of tribal traditions.

The Vice-President paid tribute to Bhagwan Birsa Munda, calling him a visionary who shaped India’s freedom struggle and championed the rights of tribal communities. He underscored Munda’s teachings of ‘Jal, Jungle, Zameen’ (Water, Forest, Land) as a way of life, reflecting the deep connection between the tribal community and the environment. He also praised the sustainable lifestyle of tribal people, noting how they teach the world about respecting the environment and the values of community and family.

Shri Dhankhar highlighted the significance of Droupadi Murmu’s presidency as a symbol of tribal pride and a testament to India’s inclusive democracy. He urged the youth, especially tribal youth, to focus on education and harness their talents to contribute to the nation’s growth. “India’s economy has transformed and there are ample resources for the development of the tribal community,” he remarked.

Referring to India’s current economic rise, he mentioned that the country’s economic status has soared to become the fifth-largest economy globally and is on track to become the third-largest within the next two years.

The event, which was attended by key figures such as Shri Babulal Kharadi, Minister of Tribal Regional Development, and Shri Hemant Meena, Minister of Revenue and Colonization, Government of Rajasthan, also saw discussions on the importance of nationalism, education, and the ongoing recognition of tribal culture in the nation’s broader socio-political narrative.