Tribal Art and Artists are Blessed by Maa Saraswati: CM Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that the tribal art and artists of Madhya Pradesh have earned recognition both nationally and internationally. He stated that the tribal community’s rich artistic heritage and its artists are truly blessed by Maa Saraswati. The imagination and skill of tribal artists are commendable, and their intricate craftsmanship has displayed the brilliance of their talent to the world. He added that the government is taking every necessary step to preserve tribal art and promote tribal artists.

Dr. Yadav was addressing the inaugural ceremony of the three-day State-level Aadi Shilpgram Mahotsav at Ravindra Bhavan on Friday.

The Chief Minister emphasised that in line with the government’s vision of “From Heritage to Development,” efforts are being made to preserve ancient art, culture, traditions, and the artists behind them. The Gond painting has now received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, which is a symbol of global recognition for the art and its artists. He added that the state government, in coordination with the central government, is creating proper platforms through various events to provide opportunities and markets for all forms of tribal craftsmanship and artists.

He announced ₹15 crore for the restoration of the ancient fort in Mandla, which symbolises the valour and sacrifice of tribal icons like Raja Shankar Shah, Kunwar Raghunath Shah, and Raja Hriday Shah. He also highlighted how major national institutions have been named to honour tribal heroes—like renaming Bhopal’s modern railway station after Rani Kamlapati and the establishment of Tantya Mama University in Khargone. A state cabinet meeting was also held in Rani Durgavati’s homeland to pay tribute to her.

“We Are a Strong Nation with a Strong Army” – CM Dr. Yadav

Dr. Yadav extended congratulations to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the Indian Army for their firm action against rising extremist activities across the border. He expressed full confidence in the Indian Armed Forces, stating, “We are citizens of a capable nation, and anyone who attacks our sovereignty or people will be met with a powerful response.”

The Chief Minister praised the central government’s efforts to strengthen the economy and equip the armed forces with modern weaponry under PM Modi’s leadership. He also lauded Colonel Sophia Qureshi, a proud daughter of Madhya Pradesh, who exposed the dark side of extremism on the global stage. He noted that her family has served in the armed forces for three generations and continues to bring pride to the state.

Dr. Yadav inaugurated the Aadi Shilpgram Mahotsav by garlanding portraits of Bhagwan Birsa Munda and Rani Durgavati and lighting a ceremonial lamp. He also visited various exhibition stalls showcasing tribal art and cuisine. He appreciated the artworks made from wood, clay sculptures, textile paintings, and tribal dishes.

Over 1,000 tribal artists from various districts of Madhya Pradesh are participating in the festival. On this occasion, Dr. Yadav presented Authorised User Cards to four prominent Gond painting artists—Shri Anand Shyam, Shri Venkat (Dindori), Smt. Rambai and Smt. Dhanaiya. Special training kits were also distributed to artists like Shri Kunwar Baiga, Ms. Anis Bai, and Smt. Kirti Kishan. These kits were prepared by the National Institute of Design, Bhopal. The Chief Minister also released a coffee table book focused on the Badal Bhoi Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum located in Chhindwara.

Tribal Marts to Open Soon Across Tribal Regions

Dr. Kunwar Vijay Shah, Minister for Tribal Affairs, Public Asset Management, and Bhopal Gas Tragedy Relief and Rehabilitation, said that with changing times, tribal art, culture, and traditions are at risk of disappearing. To counter this, the government is making every possible effort through festivals and fairs like the Tribal Art Fair. He announced that Tribal Marts will soon be set up in tribal-dominated areas to provide market access to tribal artists and their products. Initially, these marts will be opened in Shahdol, Dhar, Khandwa, and Mandla, each with a budget allocation of ₹1 crore. They will be managed by women’s self-help groups and will create employment opportunities for local youth.

Dr. Shah also expressed gratitude to CM Dr. Yadav for announcing the establishment of the country’s first Tribal Hostel in Khalwa (Khandwa district) to provide training in tribal art, culture, dialects, traditional attire, music, and instruments. He informed that the government has made a budget provision of ₹25 crore to support tribal students in preparing for competitive exams. Those pursuing NEET, CLAT, or JEE after completing Class 12 will receive an annual incentive of ₹1.5 lakh.

At the beginning of the program, Principal Secretary Shri Gulshan Bamra outlined the objectives and structure of the three-day event, stating that the aim is to provide tribal artists a platform to gain financial benefit through exhibitions of their work. He urged citizens to visit and enjoy the tribal art and cuisine.

The event was attended by the Additional Chief Secretary and Director of the Tribal Research and Development Institute, Shri Vinod Kumar, Registrar of the National Institute of Design Bhopal, Shri Krishna Birhaman, Tribal Cell member at Raj Bhavan, Ms. Deepmala Rawat, and Tribal Development Commissioner Smt. Vandana Vaidya, Cultural Advisor to the Chief Minister Shri Shriram Tiwari, Additional Secretary to CM Shri Laxman Markam, along with several senior officials and a large number of tribal art enthusiasts.

Cultural Showcase Over Three Days

The Aadi Shilpgram Mahotsav will feature mesmerising tribal dance and music performances every evening from 7 PM to 9 PM. The festival includes exhibits of tribal crafts in clay, bamboo, wood, metal, and painting, along with traditional tribal delicacies.