The National Tribal Research Institute (NTRI) organized Adi-Vyakhyan, a conference on Tribal Development through the eyes of Tribal Thinkers, Writers and Leaders participating from different states of India at NTRI premises, New Delhi today as part of week-long celebrations of Jan Jatiya Gaurav Diwas .

 Union Minister of Tribal Affairs, Sh. Arjun Munda inaugurated the Adi-Vyakhyan program as Chief Guest at the National Tribal Research Institute (NTRI).  The minster felicitated the Tribal Padma Awardees Shree Smt. Usha Barle Ji (Pandwani Singer), Padma Shree Prof. Janum Singh Soy,  Jharkhand (Language Preserver - Ho) and Key tribal achievers during the program.

Addressing on the occasion, Union Minister Shri Arjun Munda said that it is the Prime Minister's vision that we are celebrating Jan Jatiya Gaurav Diwas every year on 15th November to mark tribal pride. It is an historic occasion which has placed new thrust on tribal issues and will give new direction to destiny of Tribal people in the country. Although 15^th November has  always been an important day for tribals, but it is only now , under the leadership of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, that it has helped initiate a fresh narrative and given new impetus to  initiatives for all-round tribal welfare and development, the Minister explained.

Shri Arjun Munda said that today's Adi-Vyakhyan is  multi-dimensional event which looks at various aspects of tribal life, culture , language , livelihood among others through the eyes of tribal thinkers, leaders and writers. On one hand it represents an opportunity , on the other hand it also presents a challenge on discussing and deciding the way forward, the Minister added.

Talking about tribal languages, the Minister said that when the new National Education Policy was formulated , it emphasized that the tribal languages and dialects spoken  in local areas should also be given proper place. Accordingly, in the new National Education Policy, emphasis has been laid on the preservation and promotion of tribal languages.

Shri Arjun Munda explained that in recent years very important initiatives have been launched for tribal people by the Government including the recent Rs 24000 cr PVTG Mission, Aadi Adarsh Gram Yojana, Sickle Cell Mission, setting up 740 Eklavya Model Schools among others. National Tribal Research Institute , New Delhi as an apex  Institute will now give more impetus to this decision making by  providing inputs for realistic policy formulation for tribals, on the basis of ground level research, he said. The Minister said that it will also provide a vision for a holistic approach to the working of 27 Tribal research Institutes located in states.

The Minister exhorted the large number of tribal participants at the event to do proud to  Bhagwan Birsa Munda  and the sacrifices made by him by taking up ownership of the schemes for tribal welfare and development and ensuring the reach of their benefits to the last man

Minister Shri Arjun Munda paid a visit to the tribal stalls, where he actively engaged with tribal artisans, demonstrating keen interest in exhibits.

Surendra Nath Tripathi (Director General, IIPA) highlighted the  efforts of NTRI in taking forward the study of various distinctive tribal communities and the rich indigenous history, cultural heritage and art.

Ms R. Jaya, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, highlighted the roll of National Tribal Research Institute (NTRI) and state TRIs. She also speak about the initiative taken by NTRI for promoting tribal art, culture and traditions and the how the  Adi Vyakhyan seek to bring the tribal talent as well issues to the forefront.

Shri Anil Kumar Jha, Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs; Shri Vibhu Nayar, OSD, MoTA,; Smt. R Jaya, Addl. Secy, MoTA & Asit Gopal, Commissioner, NEST, senior officials of the Ministry and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion. The tribal artists regaled the audience with their lively performances.

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NB/VM/UD