The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, inaugurated a national seminar on ‘Tribes of Keonjhar: People, Culture and Heritage’ organized by Dharanidhar University at Gambharia, Keonjhar today i.e., Feb 29, 2024. The event also saw the inauguration of an exhibition showcasing tribal costumes, jewelry, and food items.
In her address, President Murmu highlighted Keonjhar’s significance as a tribal-dominated district with abundant natural beauty. The district is home to various tribes, including Munda, Kolh, Bhuiyan, Juang, Saanti, Bathudi, Gond, Santhal, Orang, and Kondh. Expressing confidence in the researchers participating in the seminar, she anticipated that concrete conclusions would be reached regarding the preservation of tribal culture.
President Murmu stressed the importance of inclusive development, stating that any community or group left out of the country’s mainstream development cannot be considered part of inclusive progress. She emphasized the need for special attention to the development of more backward tribal communities. The President lauded the Government of India’s PM-JANMAN initiative, designed to empower Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) by providing livelihood support, skill development, education, health, housing, water supply, sanitation, and nutrition.
Furthermore, President Murmu acknowledged ongoing efforts to preserve and promote tribal arts, cultures, and crafts while safeguarding tribal self-respect. She underscored the democratic values of equality prevalent in tribal societies, where the collective ‘We’ takes precedence over ‘I,’ leading to no discrimination between men and women. This, she stated, forms the foundation of women empowerment.
Addressing teachers, the President urged them to integrate research with teaching and emphasized the importance of understanding conditions in tribal villages. She highlighted the wealth of traditional knowledge within tribal societies, urging educators to encourage research on topics such as identifying trees, plants, and herbs, along with their medicinal properties. President Murmu emphasized the application of this traditional knowledge for the benefit of society and the necessity to preserve it from extinction.
Turning her attention to students, President Murmu encouraged them to harness their immense potential and possibilities through education and skill development. While advocating for the embrace of new technologies, she reminded students not to forget their roots, urging them to stay connected with their cultural heritage. The President concluded by expressing confidence in the ability of students to become self-reliant contributors to society through a balanced blend of education and cultural awareness.
