Ranchi: The two-day Jharkhand Tribal Festival 2024 was inaugurated on Friday at the Birsa Munda Smriti Udyan on the occasion of World Tribal Day. The opening ceremony was attended by Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar, chief guest and State Coordination Committee Chairman Shibu Soren, and other distinguished guests.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren, who presided over the event, extended his greetings and best wishes to the people of the state on World Tribal Day. He said that this is the third time the Jharkhand Tribal Festival is being held in the state, emphasizing that it is not merely a festival but an effort to preserve, enrich, and promote the ancient and rich tribal civilization, culture, and heritage of the region on a national and global stage.
The Chief Minister said that the state is celebrating Tribal Day with joy, enthusiasm, and fervour. Various events organized on this occasion are showcasing the brilliance of tribal civilization and culture.
He highlighted that the Tribal Festival is becoming a significant medium for recognizing and promoting tribal life philosophy, art, and culture. The festival offers an opportunity to experience tribal art, culture, traditions, songs, dances, and attire.
The Chief Minister emphasized that tribal civilization is one of the oldest civilizations in the world. Since ancient times, tribal culture and traditions have been rich and vibrant. Despite the diversity in tribal communities across different parts of the world, there is a remarkable unity in their cultural practices. He stressed the need to preserve and enrich tribal art, culture, and traditions.
Soren acknowledged that the tribal people of Jharkhand have inherited a legacy of struggle. They have never compromised on their culture, dignity, or the protection of their land, water, and forests. The Chief Minister expressed pride in the heroes who have sacrificed everything in the fight against injustice, exploitation, and for the rights of tribals.
The Chief Minister stated that Jharkhand has long been known as the land of heroes and martyrs, whether in the fight for independence, or for the creation of the separate state of Jharkhand. He honoured numerous heroes such as Birsa Munda, Sidho-Kanho, Bhairav-Chand, Phoolo-Jhano, and others who have made significant sacrifices for justice and the protection of tribal rights.
Soren called for a collective effort to advance the tribal society, acknowledging the long struggle that tribal people face to achieve their goals. He assured that the government is committed to supporting their progress and encouraged tribal communities to play their part in this journey.
The Chief Minister addressed the public’s expectations from the government, emphasizing that various welfare schemes are being implemented to empower and self-sustain the people of Jharkhand. He assured that despite challenges, the government is working to provide a better future for the next generation.
During the festival, Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar, chief guest Shibu Soren, and Chief Minister Hemant Soren launched 12 books published by Dr Ram Dayal Munda Tribal Welfare Research Institute. Additionally, 257 individuals were awarded community forest rights over 73,583 acres of land. The dignitaries paid tribute to martyrs by laying flowers at the Martyr’s Memorial and inaugurated the tribal exhibition and tribal artists’ camp.
The festival was attended by various dignitaries including Minister for ST, SC, and OBC Welfare Deepak Biruwa, Rajya Sabha MP Mahua Maji, MLAs Kalpana Soren and Rajesh Kachhap, Chief Secretary L Khiyangte, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Avinash Kumar, Director General of Police Anurag Gupta, Principal Secretary to the Governor Nitin Madan Kulkarni, Secretary for ST and OBC Welfare Kripanand Jha, and Tribal Welfare Commissioner Ajay Nath Jha among other senior officials and dignitaries.