President Pranab Mukherjee has lauded Madhya Pradesh for preserving tribal heritage efficiently and assiduously. He was inaugurating newly constructed Tribal Museum at Shyamla Hills here on Thursday.
The President said that tribal population is sizeable in Madhya Pradesh and it is neighour to 7 states. Therefore, it is most appropriate to establish Tribal Museum here to showcase all aspects of tribal life. The artifacts displayed here are astonishingly beautiful and extremely diverse. Every tribe and sub-tribe has its own specialities. One can understand evolution of human civilizations by identifying and studying them.
Mukherjee said that through the museum, such events can be held, which would be helpful for tribals and non-tribals understand teach other in a better way. He said that a number of tribal cultures have vanished due to wanton race for industrialisation. In fact, tribal cultures are no less important than civilizations and culture, which we are proud of. Tribes have passed on their cultural heritage from generation to generation.
He said that people from all over India will visit this museum to understand rich tribal culture. Madhya Pradesh government has taken a very creative step by establishing the museum. Definitely, Madhya Pradesh will be pioneer in the country in this field. He described this museum as an important step for understanding various stages of human civilization.
Governor Ram Naresh Yadav said that all aspects of tribal life including culture, lifestyle, beliefs, rites and rituals have been exhibited excellently at the museum. He hoped that the museum will become the best not only in Madhya Pradesh, but entire world.
Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that lifestyle of tribes is natural and unassuming Tribals do not destroy nature, but make good use of it preserving natural wealth with full devotion. Referring to role of tribal artists in giving unique shape to the museum, he said that soon a grand function will be held to felicitate these artists. Tribal life has been exhibited in totality in this museum. He said that so-called civilized society thinks about protection of wildlife and forests only, but tribals actually preserve them.
At the outset, Culture Minister laxmikant Sharma gave a brief account of the museum’s special features saying that tribal artists have given the museum this unique shape by working untiringly for one year. Sharma felicitated the President and presented a tribal turban to him.
MP Kailash Joshi, former Union Minister Suresh Pachouri, Chief Secretary R Parasuram, Principal Secretary Tribal Welfare PC Meena, noted culture personalities and experts were present on the occasion. Secretary Culture Pankaj Rag proposed a vote of thanks.