Syed shamim Qadri
The tribal festival is organised annually by the tribal cooperative marketing development federation limited (TRIFED) under the ministry of Tribal Affairs since year 2015 under the title “VANAJ”. To foster understanding, appreciation and respect for tribal customs and their way of life as well as to provide an opportunity to tribal artisans, entrepreneurs to promote their unique handicrafts, textiles, art works and traditional products. Trifed has been organising Aadi Mahotsav- National Tribal Festival to provide direct market access to the tribal master craftsmen and woman in larger metros and state capitals. Pradhan Manti Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman (PM-VIKAS). PM-VIKAS was announced in Union Budget 2023-24 s a step towards developing the nation’s poor artisans and tribes to enhance the scope, calibre and reach of their goods to domestic and international markets by providing technology to increase their productivity and profits, skills training for age-old and traditional crafts, the opening of credit lines and the scheme will significantly benefit the poor, weaker sections and tribes of society.
It seizes the prospects for progress and will contribute to India’s growth and development, as the crafts people and artisans are the true spirit of self -reliant and independent India. Bakarwal a tribal community found from Pir Panjal to Zanskar located in Himalayan mountains of India to Hindukush mountains of Afghanistan, Beda People a tribal community of Indian UT of Ladakh, Bota People a tribal community found in UT of Ladakh, Brokpa, Drokpa, Dard and Shin: The tribes mostly found in Kargil, Baramulla and few parts of Leh, Semi pastoral-indo aryan ethno linguistic tribes found in J&K and Himachal Pradesh, A nomadic, agricultural and pastoral community found in J&K. National Tribal Festival (Srinagar): a two-day National Festival was organised by TRIFED from 7 July 223 to 8 July 2023. It began at Sheri Kashmir International Centre (SKICC), Srinagar on 07 July 2023 and concluded on 8 July 2023 at Main Ground of world-famous tourist resort, Gulmarg. The festival saw participation of TRIFED from various states and UT including Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, J&K, Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh. It is a grand celebration of cultural diversity and heritage show-casing vibrant tapestry of tribal traditions, arts, music and culinary delight. The festival conducted by govt of J&K showcased rich tribal cultural heritage and traditions. The festival was a means to understand dreams of tribal youth and encourage them in every way possible, so that they do not fall behind anyone in the age of accelerated change.
The govt is dedicated to serve the poor section of the society. Govt is marching ahead with one resolve and one aim that poorest of the poor, Dalits, OBCs and Tribal community have the first right on Govt resources, as discrimination system was abolished on 5 Aug 2019. Govt is making efforts to bring the remote and neglected into the main stream through internet and infrastructure. Govt is providing land to landless poor. Setting up of over 3000 Van Dhan Vikas kandras, 80 lakhs self-help groups (SHGs). To boost Ekalavya Model Residential Schools (EMRs) for tribal children. Rise in the number of forest products that the govt was purchasing at minimum support price (MSP). Budget announced hiring of nearly 40000 staffers for EMRs around the country. New Education Policy 2020, allowed tribes to learn in their mother tongue. Govt launches TRI wool web portal and GIS portal for transhumance. Tribal Community has laid strong foundation for country to prosper for centuries the tribal community acted as a bridge connecting our cultural ethos and conserving our bio-diversity. Their determined contribution to development process is a source of inspiration for all of us. The Tribal Festival conducted by trifed is an epitome of cultural exchange programme, providing insight into tribal customs, beliefs and rituals fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation of each other. It also emphasises on significance of preserving and promoting tribal cultures as an integral part of the nation’s cultural fabric.
