Soren Calls for Protection of Tribal Culture and Rights at ‘Adivasi Mahotsav-2024’

GG News Bureau
Ranchi, 10th August. Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Friday stressed the importance of preserving the unique tribal culture and identity, stating that the time has come to grant the long-exploited indigenous people their rightful place in society. His remarks were made during the launch of the ‘Adivasi Mahotsav-2024,’ coinciding with the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People, in Ranchi.

The festival, held at the Bhagwan Birsa Munda Memorial Park cum Museum in Jail Chowk, celebrates the rich art, culture, and traditions of the tribal community. Tribal men and women, dressed in traditional attire, danced to the rhythms of the ‘dhol’ and ‘nagaras’ (drums) during the event.

“There is an urgent need to protect tribal culture, tradition, land, and forests,” Soren emphasized. “Tribals here have shown their struggle to the world. I am proud that I was born in Jharkhand, a land known for its brave people and icons like Bhagwan Birsa Munda,” he added. Munda, a revered tribal leader who fought against British colonial rule, died in Ranchi’s Old Central Jail in 1900.

Soren highlighted Jharkhand’s unique identity and history, noting that the state’s original tribal inhabitants have faced exploitation both before and after Independence. “It is time to give them their due rights,” he asserted.

The event was inaugurated by Soren alongside Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar. The two-day festival, now in its third edition, also saw the presence of State Coordination Committee Chairman and Rajya Sabha MP Shibu Soren, as well as the Chief Minister’s wife, legislator Kalpana Soren.

During the festival, 12 books were unveiled by the Chief Minister, Governor, and other dignitaries. Additionally, over 250 community forest rights leases were distributed to representatives from various districts, covering a total of 73,583 acres.

The festival featured participation from 32 tribes, including Asur, Baiga, Birhor, Chero, Munda, Oraon, Mal Pahariya, Santhal, Karmali, and Kharwar. Tribal artists from states such as Mizoram, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tripura, and Chhattisgarh also took part in the celebrations.

A tribal book fair was organized as part of the event, while firecracker and laser shows became the highlights of the festival, drawing widespread attention.