Naidu calls for active participation from all sections of society for preservation of tribal culture

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi : The Vice President of India M Venkaiah Naidu on February 15, 2020, called for active participation from all sections of society for preservation and promotion of tribal culture. Addressing the ‘Aadivasi Mahotsav -2020’ at Ramnagar, Madhya Pradesh, Naidu said that tribal communities represent the ancient most culture and values of India. “Our younger generations should be made aware of their eternal values and traditions,” he said.

Naidu expressed his deep concern over the fact that around 250 languages have disappeared in last 50 years and most of these extinct languages belonged to tribal communities. He wanted the Universities to preserve and promote the local tribal culture. “When a language dies, it symbolises the downfall of a culture, a civilisation, a creative tradition,” he said.

He said that preservation of tribal culture was not the responsibility of governments alone and exhorted the country’s youth to care for tribal history and heritage. “When hotels can serve foreign cuisine, why can’t they promote local tribal flavours which are more suited to our climatic conditions? Why can’t city youth pursue tribal music and instruments as their hobby?” he asked.

Expressing happiness that National Tribal University in Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh has become functional, the VP exhorted the scholars to research on the tribal languages, literature, folk song, crafts etc. “We should include the traditional tribal knowledge in our intellectual and academic discourse else these knowledge systems may go extinct in future,” Naidu said, according to a PIB release.

Highlighting the relevance of tribal way of life, the Vice President said, “Today when the world is beset with the problems such as global warming and climate change and increased frequency of natural disasters, our tribal communities can show us the path of sustainable development.”

He appreciated tribal communities for respecting nature and keeping harmonious relations with their environment and all living beings. Calling these as the great characteristics of the tribal cultures, the Vice President said that world can learn a lot from these communities. “Mindless exploitation of nature will lead to disastrous consequences,” he added. Naidu further said that even while preserving their unique lifestyle and culture, the tribals should be made equal partner in India’s development journey.

Stressing that violence is not solution to any problem, the Vice President said that left wing extremism has not solved any problem and way of ballot is better than the bullet.

Citing various Government schemes for the welfare of tribal communities such as Van Bandhu Kalyan Yojana, minimum support price (MSP) for forest produce, the VP expressed happiness over recent announcement by the President for setting up of 400 new Eklavya schools.

He expressed deep concern at the lower than average literacy rates among the tribal communities and appealed to them to send their children to schools. He specifically asked everyone to send their daughters to schools and turn ‘Beti Bachao -Beti Padhao’ into a successful movement.

Referring to various tribal struggles and movements such as Munda revolt, Santhal revolt, Naidu said that tribal communities were the first to wage war of independence against colonial exploitation and oppression. “ Heroes such as Birsa Munda, Sidhu, Kanhu, Rani Avantibai are an inspiration for all and their life stories should be taught to children in our schools,” he said. Naidu expressed satisfaction that in this year’s Padma awards also the government has recognised the people who dedicated their lives for the enrichment and promotion of tribal culture and the welfare of tribal communities.