Sri Vijaya Puram, May 25: A large tribal cultural gathering held in New Delhi on Sunday witnessed participation from tribal communities across the country, including representatives from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, as Bharatiya Janata Party leaders described the event as a celebration of India’s cultural diversity and tribal identity.
The ‘Janjati Sanskritik Samagam’, organised to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of tribal icon Birsa Munda, brought together tribal representatives from several states and Union Territories at the national capital, with Amit Shah attending as the chief guest.
Leaders present at the event said the conclave was aimed at recognising the cultural heritage, traditions and contributions of tribal communities while also strengthening dialogue on their development and representation.
Bansuri Swaraj said the programme was not linked to any electoral exercise but was intended as a tribute to Birsa Munda and an effort to showcase the spirit of a united India.
She said the gathering had brought tribal communities from different parts of the country to the national capital and reflected the idea of cultural unity amid diversity.
Manoj Tiwari said tribal participants from states including Arunachal Pradesh, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and West Bengal attended the event, alongside delegations from regions such as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and several northeastern states.
According to him, the event symbolised inclusion and representation, adding that Delhi belonged equally to tribal communities from across the country.
The programme also featured participants in traditional tribal attire, with cultural identity and heritage forming a major theme of the gathering.
Vishnu Deo Sai, Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, said tribal communities possessed distinct customs, traditions and cultural systems that required preservation and protection.
He alleged that certain groups had attempted over the years to weaken tribal customs and cultural traditions, adding that the conclave represented unity and solidarity among tribal communities from different regions of the country.
Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Arjun Munda said the gathering carried significance not only for tribal communities but for the country as a whole because of the historical and cultural importance associated with indigenous traditions.
He said tribal civilisation and cultural identity remained deeply rooted in India’s heritage and continued to be a matter of pride for tribal societies.
Members associated with the Janjati Suraksha Manch also highlighted the scale of participation at the event. Manohar Santhal, associated with the organisation, said representatives from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Nagaland, Meghalaya and Sikkim were among those present.
He added that between 2,500 and 3,000 members of the Santhal community had participated in the conclave.
Organisers and participants said traditional attire, food habits, indigenous practices and lifestyles remain central markers of tribal identity and were prominently showcased during the event.
The conclave comes amid increasing political outreach towards tribal communities at the national level, particularly around issues linked to cultural preservation, welfare schemes, representation and indigenous rights.
Birsa Munda, whose 150th birth anniversary is being commemorated this year, is regarded as one of India’s most prominent tribal freedom fighters and continues to hold symbolic significance among tribal communities across central and eastern India.
The participation of representatives from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the conclave also highlighted the presence of diverse tribal traditions from island regions within broader national tribal discourse.
