Along with the rest of the country, Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas or National Tribal Pride Day was celebrated in the State today to honour the contributions of tribal leaders to India’s history.
Union Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu joined the celebrations organised by the State Rural Employment Society and the C&RD Department at the State Convention Centre.
During his speech, Naidu reflected on his recent experiences in the state and said, “The protection of nature is a core value that the tribal communities have passed down, and it offers a valuable lesson for all of humanity.”
He paid tribute to the resilience and bravery of tribal communities who, through their sacrifices, have shaped the nation’s path to independence and contributed to the preservation of nature and culture.
“In Shillong, among the three major tribal communities—the Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia—I’m proud to witness the preservation and promotion of tribal culture. I recently visited the East Khasi Heritage Village and was deeply moved by the commitment to safeguarding sacred forests and the environment, a practice that transcends generations,” he said.
He highlighted that the central government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, has allocated Rs 70,000 crore annually in scholarships for 30 lakh tribal students, built 1.5 crore toilets for 58 lakh tribal households under the Swachh Bharat Mission, and extended benefits to 1.2 crore tribal farmers under the PM Kisan Yojana. He further noted that the funding for tribal welfare has increased from Rs 24,600 crore in 2014 to Rs 1.23 lakh crore in 2024, marking a nearly fivefold rise.
Additionally, the Union Minister pointed out that over 4.6 crore tribal individuals have been screened for sickle cell anemia, a deadly disease affecting many tribal populations. Museums have been established to honour tribal leaders, cultures and identity, and Rs 24, 000 crore has been given for support of 45 lakh PVTGs beneficiaries under the PM Jan Man Yojana.
He also mentioned that the number of Eklavya Model Residential Schools, which provide quality education for tribal children, has risen from 123 in 2014 to 476 schools across the country, benefiting tens of thousands of tribal students.
“The government has also supported tribal farmers and entrepreneurs, with the number of forest produce items receiving Minimum Support Price (MSP) rising from 12 to 87, providing new economic opportunities for tribal communities,” the Minister added.
The gathering also virtually participated in the beginning of the 150th Birth Anniversary Year of Dharti Aaba Bhagwan Birsa Munda in Jamui, Bihar graced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
VECs achieving maximum saturation in East Khasi Hills were also felicitated.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, KHADC CEM Pyniaid Sing Syiem, Executive Member Victor Rani and officials from the district administration were also present.
Meanwhile, the Department of Arts & Culture organized the state -level launch of the Jan Jatiya Divas.
Arts & Culture Minister Bah Paul Lyngdoh, Principal Secretary Frederick R Kharkongor, officials and stakeholders attended the programme.
The immense contribution of the revered freedom fighters Tirot Sing, Kiang Nangbah, Pa Togan Sangma, Phan Nonglait, and many others were remembered.
“We are not only reminded of the sacrifices made by these freedom fighters, but we are also instilled with a profound sense of freedom, particularly as indigenous tribal communities. It is a reminder that our history is rich with struggle, unity, and a deep connection to the land that continues to shape our identity today,” Lyngdoh said.
During the programme, the Adi Sanskriti Videos- Digital Tribal Art series of Meghalaya, the animated series on Meghalaya Bravehearts by Sauramandala and the Tri Hills Creatives & Tri Hills Festival calendar were released on the occasion.
