Speaking at the gathering, the President said that the contribution of India’s tribal communities forms “a glorious chapter in the history of a civilisation that is the mother of democracy.” She recalled that India’s traditions of collective decision-making predate modern political structures, citing the “Muria Darbar” of Bastar as a powerful example of a people’s parliament that has flourished for generations.
Photo: X/@rashtrapatibhvn
President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday addressed the Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas celebration in Ambikapur, marking the culmination of Chhattisgarh’s fortnight long observance dedicated to tribal identity, history and cultural pride. The event, organised by the Government of Chhattisgarh, drew thousands of participants from across the Surguja region.
Speaking at the gathering, the President said that the contribution of India’s tribal communities forms “a glorious chapter in the history of a civilisation that is the mother of democracy.” She recalled that India’s traditions of collective decision-making predate modern political structures, citing the “Muria Darbar” of Bastar as a powerful example of a people’s parliament that has flourished for generations.
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The President noted that tribal heritage binds several regions through shared history, including Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Jharkhand. She expressed appreciation that the Chhattisgarh Government had celebrated a “Tribal Pride Fortnight” from November 1 to 15 this year, allowing the state’s communities to showcase their cultural and historical strengths on a large scale.
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Highlighting national initiatives undertaken in the past decade, President Murmu said that the welfare of tribal communities has been placed at the centre of national policy. She referred to the Dharti Aba Janjati Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, launched last year on Gandhi Jayanti, which aims to strengthen development in tribal villages and is expected to benefit more than five crore people. She also mentioned the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN), introduced in 2023 to support the socio-economic progress of 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups.
The President said the Government of India has launched the Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan during the 150th birth anniversary year of Bhagwan Birsa Munda to infuse new momentum into tribal development efforts. She noted that a nationwide network of nearly 20 lakh volunteers is being built to work directly at the grassroots. “I am confident these volunteers will strengthen the pathways to progress for tribal communities across the country,” she said.
Acknowledging the changing security landscape in tribal regions, the President said she was encouraged by the growing number of people across Chhattisgarh and the rest of the country who had “abandoned the path of Left Wing Extremism and joined the mainstream of development.” With coordinated efforts by central and state agencies, she said, “the eradication of Left Wing Extremism will become possible in the near future.”
The President also praised the cultural resurgence in Bastar, noting that over 1.65 lakh participants took part in the recent Bastar Olympics, a scale that highlights the region’s confidence and community driven spirit. She added that by drawing inspiration from tribal icons and freedom fighters, the people of Chhattisgarh will continue to strengthen the foundations of a self-reliant and developed India.
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