New Delhi, May 24: Union Home Minister Amit Shah attended the ‘Tribal Culture Summit‘ at the Red Fort grounds in New Delhi, marking the 150th birth anniversary of ‘Dharti Abha’ Birsa Munda. The event, organized by the ‘Tribal Security Forum’ and the Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, saw a significant turnout from tribal communities across the nation. Key messages regarding tribal culture, traditions, and rights were shared during the program.
In his address, Amit Shah stated that the entire nation is joyfully celebrating the 150th anniversary of Birsa Munda. He emphasized that the most sustainable life model in the world has been developed by India’s tribal communities. These communities live in harmony with nature, which he identified as their greatest strength.
Shah noted that the tribal society worships nature, which forms the foundation of their connection to eternal traditions. He urged attendees to commit to linking religion and culture, ensuring future generations remain connected to their roots.
He asserted that the framers of the Constitution granted every individual the right to live according to their original faith. No one should be coerced into converting their religion through greed or pressure.
Amit Shah highlighted that tribal communities live with diverse beliefs, yet Indian culture has always conveyed a message of unity. He referenced Lord Ram and Shabari, illustrating that Lord Ram accepted Shabari’s discarded berries to signify our oneness. He also mentioned how Lord Ram honored the tribal community by washing the feet of Nishad Raj for his assistance.
Shah expressed that this ‘Tribal Cultural Summit’ will be remembered as a grand gathering for the tribal community in the coming years. He recalled how, despite a lack of communication facilities, Birsa Munda conveyed to tribes across the country that this land belongs to them, their faith is true, and no one can seize their forests.
The Home Minister clarified the stance on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), stating that no restrictions of the UCC will apply to tribal communities, ensuring that their rights will not be infringed upon.
He also mentioned the increase in the tribal welfare budget, which rose from ₹28,000 crores during the Congress regime to ₹1,50,000 crores under PM Modi’s leadership.
Shah discussed the PESA Act and the PESA Cell, which aims to provide legal information to tribal communities in their native languages. He praised Madhya Pradesh’s PESA law as a model, stating that all BJP-ruled states are advancing it.
The PESA Cell operates under the Panchayati Raj Ministry, designed to empower village assemblies in scheduled areas and effectively implement the PESA Act of 1996.
During the event, Amit Shah remarked that these organizations have worked to unite society with the message, “You and I are one blood,” strengthening the nation. He concluded that the gathering led by the Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram and the Tribal Security Forum will play a significant role in safeguarding India’s culture, land, and faith in the future.
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