On the occasion of Republic day, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs invited two members — one male and one female — from a tribe from every state and Union Territory in the country with an aim to show them the parade
As per the practice followed since the first Republic Day Celebrations in 1952, this year too, the Ministry invited two tribal representatives, one female and one male, from each state/Union Territory as tribal guests of the Government of India to witness the Republic Day parade 2016.
This year 29 States/Union territories have deputed a total of 59 tribal representatives (30 females and 29 males). These tribal guests represent scheduled tribes in the country from remote tribal areas of the country.
Jual Oram, Minister of Tribal Affair hosted a reception at his residence in the honour of tribal guests and the tableaux artistes and supporting staff, who had participated in this year’s Republic Day Parade.
While welcoming the guests, the minister informed that the policy of the Government of India to invite the tribal guests is to provide to as many of our tribal citizens as possible an opportunity to witness the Republic Day celebrations in the national capital. Therefore, the States/Union Territories were asked to nominate such tribal representatives who had not witnessed the Republic Day celebrations earlier. He stated that this practice was intended to facilitate the tribals to overcome their isolation and sense of shyness and hasten the process of their integration with the rest of the society.
Jual Oram, Minister of Tribal Affairs and Manshukhbhai Dhanjibhai Vasava, Minister of State informed that the tribal guests, besides witnessing the Republic Day parade at Rajpath on January 26, 2016 and the Beating Retreat on January 29, 2016 at Vijay Chowk, also called on the President of India, and the Vice President of India during their stay in Delhi. They also visited Rajghat and paid homage to the father of the Nation. These guests also attended the various other functions, such as the reception hosted by the Prime Minister at Teen Murti House, and also participated in reception hosted by Minister of Defence at RR camp, Delhi Cant. The tribal guests enjoyed the performance of tableaux artistes from various States who performed at the reception. He also informed that the tribal guests were also taken around the historical places in Delhi.
Oram, Minister of State also distributed gifts on behalf of Ministry of Tribal Affairs to tableaux artistes.