New Delhi, Nov 16: The Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, said today that the tribal community is the pride of the country. The Vice-President said, “Tribal culture must be respected at national and international levels.” He added, “Wherever I go, I am mesmerized by the tribal lifestyle, their culture, their music, their tribal characteristics, their talent, whether it is in sports or anything else.”
Addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest at the Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram Vidhyalay Prangan, Kotra, in Udaipur on the occasion of the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, the Vice-President warned about the threats to cultural integrity. He said,
“Conspiratorial attempts to lure and change the beliefs of tribal communities are happening. I consider it a malicious attempt. By speaking smooth words, posing as well-wishers, tempting us, luring us, efforts are being made to change our faith. Our cultural heritage is our foundation. If the foundation shakes, no building is safe. The process of luring and attracting, which I see being carried out in a planned and conspiratorial manner in the country, needs to be controlled.”
The Vice-President shed light on the contributions of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, saying, “Bhagwan Birsa Munda Ji did the unimaginable for the country’s freedom, for the tribes, for the soil. He was the one who told us, ‘Jal, Jungle, Zameen’ (Water, Forest, Land)—these are not just words, they are a way of life.” He emphasized that these teachings highlight the importance of sustainable living and respect for the environment.
The tribal community is one that does not take even a grain more than it needs. Tribal people teach us what the environment is, what indigenous life means, what family signifies, and what the duty of a person is.
Shri Dhankhar added, “Droupadi Murmu’s position as President is a symbol of tribal pride.” He called it a testament to the inclusivity and diversity of Indian democracy.
Discussing India’s development, Shri Dhankhar said, now India has changed. Economically, it is rising. A stream of development is flowing. The world is recognizing us because, in this ‘Amrit Kaal’, we have recognized its essence.
They have begun to honor it, and that is why, under the vision of the Prime Minister, November 15 is celebrated each year as the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, National Tribal Day. My call to all of you is to take a pledge, understand this great man, make his deeds an ideal, and always keep nationalism paramount.
The Vice-President urged the youth to focus on education, saying, “I would tell you, especially the boys and girls, to focus on education. There is no limit before you. Today, India is changing. The right people are being recognized in India. Today, we are seeing and using the true nectar of freedom”.
Moreover, Droupadi is President, the son of a farmer is Vice President, and Narendra Modi, from the Other Backward Class, is the Prime Minister, who has maintained such balance in his Cabinet. He want to tell you that in India’s economy, there is no shortage of resources for your development.
In times like these, our boys and girls should harness their talents and gain knowledge. India will be changed by you. Today, India has become the fifth-largest economy in the world; it once used to be among the weakest five. In two years, India will become the third-largest economic power in the world.”
Shri Babulal Kharadi, Minister of Tribal Regional Development, Government of Rajasthan, Shri Hemant Meena, Hon’ble Minister of Revenue and Colonization Department, Government of Rajasthan, Shri Satyender Singh Kharvar, National President, Vanvasi Kalyan Parishad, Shri Bhagvan Sahay, National Co-Organizing Secretary, Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, Shri Thavarchand Damor, former SP and former Chancellor of Tribal University, and other dignitaries were also present on this occasion.
