In observance of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and Communications, Jyotiraditya Scindia, joined Tripura’s Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha at the Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan on Friday to celebrate the day dedicated to honoring India’s tribal heritage and its freedom fighters. Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas was first declared by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2021 to commemorate the contributions of tribal leaders like Birsa Munda and to recognize the cultural significance of tribal communities nationwide.
Chief Minister Saha inaugurated the event, underscoring the BJP-led state government’s commitment to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Tripura’s indigenous communities. Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma, District Magistrate of West Tripura, Dr. Vishal Kumar, and Transport Minister Sushanta Choudhury were also present, lending support to the event which featured cultural performances and a traditional tribal food festival. The celebrations attracted many from local tribal communities, showcasing traditional dances and dishes as a part of the cultural heritage.
Addressing the gathering, CM Saha highlighted the government’s work to safeguard and enhance the legacy of the state’s indigenous people. Since 2014, he noted, PM Modi has made concerted efforts to bring national focus to tribal development, establishing a separate department dedicated to Janjati (tribal) welfare. “Our government has prioritized preserving indigenous cultural practices and supporting local customs,” Saha said, emphasizing the role of festivals in preserving cultural knowledge and customs within communities. He cited the government’s recent renaming of the Tribal Welfare Department to the Janjati Kalyan Department, aimed at reflecting a renewed commitment to the state’s tribal population.
Following the celebration, Scindia held discussions with CM Saha and other state officials to review the implementation of Central government schemes in Tripura under his ministries. Transport Minister Sushanta Choudhury joined the meeting, where they reviewed initiatives aimed at enhancing infrastructure, connectivity, and tribal welfare in the state.
The Chief Minister also discussed ongoing efforts to rename the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council to the Tipra Territorial Council, with a proposed increase in seats from 28 to 50 to better represent the local population. These changes, he noted, were part of a larger drive to honor Tripura’s indigenous history, including the legacy of the state’s former rulers.
After the Tripura celebrations, Scindia is scheduled to attend additional Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas events across several northeastern states, including Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Meghalaya, and Nagaland. His visits are a part of the broader effort to bolster cultural and economic ties within the region and emphasize the unique contributions of India’s tribal communities.
Through the observance of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, both state and Central governments continue to shine a light on the invaluable cultural heritage of India’s indigenous populations, working towards their holistic development and national recognition.
