The diversity of the indigenous people has contributed significantly to the integrity of the nation. Had the entire world adopted the customs and concepts of the aborigines, the issue of climate change would not have confronted us the way it is today. The nature would not have been annoyed with us, stated the Union communication and DoNER Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Friday morning at Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan at the state level programme of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas.

This day is observed across the country to mark the birthday of Dharti Aaba Birsa Munda. The central programme has been organised at Jamui, Bihar. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated programme and laid foundation stones for several projects in presence of other Union ministers, Governor of Bihar and Chief Minister of Bihar.

Addressing the state level programme at Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan, the DoNER Minister said, this day is very remarkable for the country. Because, Birsa Munda is an inspiration to the 140 crore population from Kashmir to Kanyakumari even today. That is why without mentioning the role of the indigenous people our history is incomplete. Many of the indigenous people of our country had sacrificed their lives in for freedom of the country.

The DoNER Minister said, an evolutionary change was noticed since 2014. The thought of giving due honour to those for whom nobody thought before, started coming up. Until then the voice of the indigenous people was suppressed. Since the coming of Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister, on the one hand the contribution of Birsa Munda was acknowledged and on the other hand, process started for honouring the indigenous communities by offering the posts of Governor, Ministers etc. For the first time the country has got a President from the indigenous society. Various schemes have been launched and are being implemented for the welfare of the tribal people. Welfare projects worth Rs. 24,000 crore have been announced for 12,000 tribal villages of the country. They are being facilitated with piped drinking water, Eklavya Schools are being set up for their education.

In his welcome speech the Tribal Welfare Minister of State Bikash Debbarma said, in view of the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda yearlong programmes for the welfare of tribal people will be implemented throughout the year. And the state Government is implementing various developmental activities for the socio-economic development of tribals. Apart from taking up new schemes, special attention is being given to the implementation of the existing development projects and schemes as well. Ensuring quality education for the tribal people is one priority area of the Government. Focus is also being given to employment generation. He urged all to come forward to join the endeavour for building Vikshit Bharat as visioned by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

At the programme development projects worth Rs. 2,278 lakh were virtually unveiled. Beneficiaries of different schemes were felicitated and handed over cheques. Among the dignitaries present there were MP Rajib Bhattacharya, MP Kriti Debi Debbarman, Secretary of Tribal Welfare Department Brijesh Pandey, Director of the Department Subhasis Das and the Joint Secretary to the Government of India. Jotindra Prasad. Large section of indigenous people with their traditional attire were present in the programme.