Lucknow, Nov 15 (Representative) Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Friday that the sacrifice, loyalty, and bravery of the tribal community for the motherland serve as a profound source of inspiration. While inaugurating the Janjati Bhagidari Utsav (International Tribal Participation Festival) on Jan Jatiya Gaurav Diwas to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Lord Birsa Munda, the CM said that the tribal community, as India’s original inhabitants, has consistently shown unwavering dedication in service to the nation. He said, “During foreign rule, Lord Birsa Munda fought bravely to protect the rights of his community and to seek freedom for the country.” The festival is taking place from November 15 to 20 at the Sangeet Natak Academy in Gomti Nagar, Lucknow, with artists from 22 Indian states, as well as from Slovakia and Vietnam, participating in the event. Welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to celebrate November 15 as Jan Jatiya Gaurav Diwas, Yogi said this is a meaningful way to honour the sacrifice of Lord Birsa Munda across the country. He said through this festival, tribal communities from across the country and the state will showcase their art and traditions.He said, “This festival is a unique effort to celebrate the rich history, culture, and preservation of tribal heritage.” The CM emphasised his government’s efforts to empower tribal communities and said that since his government came to power in 2017, they have prioritised the needs of these communities, which were previously overlooked by past administrations. He highlighted efforts to connect tribal groups such as Tharu, Kol, Cheru, Gond, and Buksa with essential government schemes through a saturation plan, aiming to ensure that every individual in need receives support. “Our goal is to extend benefits to every eligible member of the tribal community,” he said. Yogi said that the tribal community has benefitted from various schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, household toilets, LPG connections, old-age pensions, women’s pensions, and Divyangjan pension.He outlined the government’s ongoing efforts to preserve the culture and traditions of tribal communities. “Museums are being built to safeguard the art, traditions, and heritage of tribal societies.
One such grand museum, dedicated to the Tharu tribe’s culture, has been constructed in Balrampur,” he said. Emphasising the importance of staying connected to one’s roots while embracing technology, the CM said that museums are also being constructed in areas like Sonbhadra and Bijnor, home to the Buksa tribe, to ensure that future generations remain familiar with their cultural heritage. He outlined the government’s special efforts to enhance education for the tribal community. “Schools named after the legendary Eklavya are being set up in various regions to provide modern education for tribal children. Besides, the Ashram system schools are being used to further spread education within these communities,” he said. Emphasising economic growth, Yogi said that access to various government schemes is helping the tribal society move rapidly toward economic self-sufficiency. He then emphasised PM Modi’s vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, and said that delivering the benefits of government schemes to every section of society, without discrimination, is a top priority. He said that, under the guidance of the PM, the UP government is working to improve the living standards of every needy person by connecting them to welfare programs. He said that to achieve the goal of ‘zero poverty’, the campaign is underway to ensure that welfare schemes reach tribal communities, Scheduled Castes, extremely backward classes, and other disadvantaged groups.The CM shared details about the six-day festival running from November 15 to 20, where tribal artists from 22 Indian states, along with participants from Slovakia and Vietnam, are showcasing their talents. He said such events not only encourage the tribal community but also provide an opportunity to better understand their way of life. He acknowledged the vital role the tribal community has played in protecting the country’s natural resources, even in challenging circumstances. He said that 11 districts in UP, including Sonbhadra, are home to tribal communities. He said, “The government is implementing various welfare programmes to integrate the tribal population into the mainstream society.”