TFP Bureau, Raipur, November 14, 2024: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai inaugurated Chhattisgarh’s grand two-day Tribal Pride Day and Interstate Tribal Folk Dance Festival at Raipur’s Science College grounds in celebration of the 150th birth anniversary of Dharti Aaba Bhagwan Birsa Munda. Marking the occasion, the Chief Minister honored tribal heritage with traditional rituals at Devgudi and a ceremonial lamp lighting. Over the two days, the festival will showcase an array of cultural events, including seminars, a tribal art exhibition, and performances from 28 tribal dance troupes from 21 states nationwide.
The Chief Minister extended heartfelt greetings to the people of Chhattisgarh, paying homage to revered leaders such as Lord Birsa Munda, Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh, Shaheed Gend Singh, and Gundadhur. He acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s role in recognizing November 15 as Tribal Pride Day across India, a gesture he praised as a milestone for tribal communities. Sai expressed gratitude to Modi, saying, “This national recognition honors the legacy and contribution of tribal heroes, and we thank the Prime Minister on behalf of the three crore people of Chhattisgarh.”
Sai highlighted the government’s ongoing initiatives for tribal welfare, crediting former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for establishing a dedicated ministry for tribal communities—a pivotal move in enhancing the lives of India’s ten crore tribal citizens. Underlining the development goals of the PM Janman Yojana, he announced that the central government’s Dharti Aaba Tribal Village Upliftment Campaign has allocated Rs 80,000 crore to boost infrastructure and services in tribal villages nationwide, directly benefitting 6,691 villages in Chhattisgarh.
Adding to the day’s celebrations, the event began with a colorful march-past by tribal dance troupes, showcasing rich cultural diversity and receiving enthusiastic applause from the audience. Minister of Tribal Welfare Ramvichar Netam delivered a warm welcome address, underscoring the festival as a tribute to the arts, traditions, and sacrifices of tribal leaders who fought for India’s freedom. “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Sai, we are committed to the welfare and upliftment of all communities,” he added.
The occasion drew high-profile attendees, including Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao, Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap, Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Sports Minister Tank Ram Verma, and several other ministers, MLAs, and public representatives. Senior government officials, including Chief Secretary Amitabh Jain and Principal Secretary of the Tribal Welfare Department Sonamani Bora, also attended, along with a large gathering of residents and cultural enthusiasts. The event is set to conclude on November 15 with Prime Minister Modi inaugurating Tribal Pride Day from Jamui, Bihar, further elevating the significance of this national celebration of tribal heritage.
