Voice of Tribal Pride Echoes from Red Fort Grounds; CM Vishnu Deo Sai Says Tribal Society Can Teach World Sustainable Development

Raipur, May 2026: The historic Red Fort grounds in the national capital Delhi resonated with the spirit of tribal pride and cultural identity on Sunday, as thousands of tribal representatives, youth, social workers, and members of traditional communities gathered for the National Tribal Cultural Conclave held on the occasion of the 150th birth anniversary year of Bhagwan Birsa Munda.

The grand event, organised by the Janjati Suraksha Manch and Janjati Jagriti Samiti, witnessed the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah as the chief guest. The participation of Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, along with state ministers Kedar Kashyap and Ramvichar Netam, added special significance to the programme.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also met CM Vishnu Deo Sai at the event venue. The gathering, set against the iconic backdrop of the Red Fort and enriched with traditional attire, folk instruments, and vibrant tribal cultural expressions, went beyond being a cultural programme and emerged as a national message on the preservation of India’s indigenous identity and cultural consciousness.

Tribal Society as the Oldest Living Expression of India’s Cultural Soul: CM Sai

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said that tribal society is not only a protector of nature but also the oldest and most vibrant expression of India’s cultural soul. He said that for centuries, tribal communities have safeguarded forests, water, and land while maintaining a balanced relationship between nature and human life.

He noted that at a time when the world is facing environmental crises and the challenges of unbalanced development, the tribal way of life offers a sustainable model rooted in harmony with nature. According to him, tribal traditions and cultural values are an invaluable heritage of India.

CM Sai highlighted that Chhattisgarh’s identity is deeply connected with its rich tribal culture. With nearly 44 per cent forest cover, the state’s green landscape is not only a symbol of natural wealth but also the living foundation of tribal traditions, livelihoods, and cultural heritage.

He said that from the freedom movement to nation-building, the contribution of tribal communities has been remarkable. Icons like Bhagwan Birsa Munda and Chhattisgarh’s martyr Veer Narayan Singh represent courage, sacrifice, and resistance in protecting identity, rights, and culture, serving as inspiration for future generations.

Focus on Language, Culture and Tribal Heritage

The Chief Minister said his government is continuously working for the preservation and promotion of tribal culture, traditions, and values. He said initiatives such as ‘Adi Parv’, Bastar Pandum, and Bastar Olympics are not just cultural events but platforms to showcase tribal talent, heritage, and skills at the national level.

He emphasised that tribal languages are central to cultural survival, and therefore special efforts are being made to promote education in Gondi, Halbi, and Sadri languages at the foundational level. He said language is not only a medium of communication but also a carrier of identity, history, and collective memory.

CM Sai also informed that the government is actively working on conserving traditional tribal places of worship such as Devgudis from Bastar to Surguja, ensuring that spiritual and cultural heritage remains connected with future generations.

Cultural Unity on Display at Red Fort

The programme witnessed vibrant performances by tribal artists from across India, showcasing traditional dances, folk music, and cultural expressions. The Red Fort grounds came alive with the beats of drums, mandars, and traditional instruments, creating a powerful atmosphere of unity in diversity.

CM Sai said that tribal society is not merely a legacy of the past but also a vital strength for India’s future. He added that the tribal philosophy of life—rooted in nature, community, and discipline—can guide modern development towards a more balanced and humane direction.

The conclave concluded as a powerful declaration of tribal unity, cultural revival, and a national commitment towards nature-aligned development.