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New Delhi : Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the National Tribal Festival “Aadi Mahotsav” at a colourful function at Dilli Haat, INA, on November 16, 2019. The 15 days’ festival is the celebration of the spirit of Tribal Craft, Culture, Cuisine and Commerce.
Union Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda, Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Renuka Singh; Tribal Affairs Minister of Nagaland Temjen Imna Along, Members of Parliament Meenakshi Lekhi, Jual Oram, and M C Mary Kom, Chairman, TRIFED, R C Meena, Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Deepak Khandekar, and MD, TRIFED, Praveen Krishna, were present on the occasion.
In his inaugural address,Shah dwelt on many new transformational initiatives of the Union Government over the last five years for the overall development and welfare of tribal population in country. He particularly highlighted measures like expansion of Eklavya Model Schools, extending benefits to large number of tribals under Forest Rights Act, increasing the budget manifold of several important schemes of Ministry of Tribal Affairs, opening Tribal Freedom Fighters’ Museums, and expansion of Tribal Research Institutes among others, according to a PIB release.
The Home Minister emphasised on the significant contribution of tribal people in protection of environment and culture. He explained that the tribals in the country have benefitted from the people friendly initiatives of the Government like Ujjawala, Ayushman, construction of toilets under Swachhata Abhiyan, and construction of homes among others.
The Home Minister and other dignitaries paid homage to the great tribal freedom fighter Bhagwan Birsa Munda whose birth anniversary was observed on November 15, 2019. He also launched some new tribal products under the Van Dhan Scheme on the occasion.
Union Tribal Affairs Minister Munda said that the need of the hour is to connect with the tribals who are true lovers of nature and want to live with nature. If urban people start using tribal products, they will be able to avoid several physical ailments. Adivasi way of life is guided by primal truths, eternal values and a natural simplicity, the Minister explained.
Chairman, TRIFED, Meena, in his speech, said that TRIFED is doing significant work for the overall development and welfare of tribal people and events like Aadi Mahotsav are very important in this regard. The tribes of India have a wide range of handicrafts and the government seeks to promote interaction between tribal artisans and the people.