The International Day of Indigenous Peoples of the World was celebrated across the State with fervour. Right from Governor Droupadi Murmu, Chief Minister Raghubar Das and several political and non-political people and organisations took part in events across the State. While the CM took part in a function organised by the Tribal Development Society, Governor Droupadi Murmu took part in an event at the district collectorate.
Greeting people of the State on the occasion the Governor threw light on the history of World Tribal Day and discussed on the ways through which it could be celebrated in the modern age. She said that the tribal community has conserved its culture even today despite cultural invasion from all sides. She also stressed on using ‘Hadiya’ (Home-made alcoholic drink) in religious and other rituals rather than consuming it for pleasure.
The Governor stressed on working for the interests of tribal communities throughout the year and said that development should reach the last man in the society with consolidated efforts of the government and the people of the State.
Meanwhile, one of the youngest member of Bhagwan Birsa Munda and the Great grandson of legendary freedom fighter, Kanhaiya Munda was felicitated by Gram Swashashan Abhiyaan in a function here on Thursday. The youth said in his speech that the rulers of the State should rethink before altering laws that have been made for the benefit of the tribal community, else there could be loss of trust and misunderstanding resulting in several serious issues.
The Gram Swashashan Abhiyaan also felicitated leaders and commemorated the sacrifice made by martyrs like Sido Kanhu, Tilka Manjhi, Tana Bhagat and others. More than 200 participants from Santhal, Kolhan and South Chotanagpur, traditional leaders, representation from civil society organizations, academia, media, and people’s representatives witnessed the celebration.
State Manager Phia Foundation Johnson Topno; TAC member Ratan Tirkey;
Assistant Professor, Central University of South Bihar, Anuj lugun; Social activist Balram; Director, Social Audit Gurjeet Singh; Chief Functionary, SAMVAD, Ghanshyam; State head Save the Children, Mahadev Hansda and others discussed the contemporary issues surrounding the tribal communities in the State and also welt upon the solutions for them.
The celebration concluded with a cultural program representing the culture of the three community contexts Hotiribe in West Singhbhum, Santhals in Jamtara and Oraon in Gumla. The folk songs, dance, skits captured the indigenous culture and tradition of different districts of Jharkhand.
The event provided a common platform to the community leaders share their experiences, learning and achievements from their area.