New Delhi: The National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) marked its 7th Foundation Day with a grand celebration, highlighting its steadfast dedication to the education and empowerment of tribal students across India. Established in 2019 under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, NESTS has been instrumental in transforming the educational landscape for tribal communities through the administration of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS).
The event, held at Akashwani Bhavan, was graced by Union Minister of Tribal Affairs Jual Oram, Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Durgadas Uikey, and Chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) Antar Singh Arya, alongside senior officials, educationists, and key stakeholders from EMRS. The celebrations featured inspiring addresses, cultural performances by tribal students, and a short film showcasing the remarkable progress of EMRS in advancing quality education for tribal children.
In his address, Minister Jual Oram reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening tribal education, emphasizing the transformative role of EMRS in providing holistic learning opportunities. Minister Durgadas Uikey outlined the future vision for expanding these institutions, ensuring greater accessibility and quality education for tribal youth. NCST Chairman Antar Singh Arya highlighted how education serves as a catalyst for tribal development and praised EMRS for its significant contributions to uplifting tribal communities.
The event also celebrated outstanding achievements, with twelve EMRS students honored for their academic and extracurricular excellence. Additionally, NESTS staff who excelled in the recent sports meet were felicitated. Tribal students from various EMRS institutions captivated the audience with cultural performances that reflected their rich heritage.
Commissioner of NESTS, Ajeet Kumar Srivastava, emphasized the organization’s crucial role in ensuring quality education for tribal students. “With the expansion of EMRS and new initiatives, we aim to empower the next generation with knowledge and skills for a brighter future,” he stated.
NESTS has made significant strides in transforming tribal education, currently overseeing 477 functional EMRS schools with an enrollment of over 1.38 lakh students. Strengthening its teaching workforce, the organization has successfully recruited 9,075 teaching and non-teaching staff. Moving forward, NESTS aims to enhance infrastructure, digital learning, and skill development programs to ensure that quality education reaches every tribal student across India.
Various capacity-building programs, including specialized training initiatives for educators, have further fortified the EMRS network, equipping teachers with the tools to foster excellence and shape a promising future for tribal children. As NESTS continues its journey, it remains committed to nurturing talent, fostering inclusivity, and paving the way for the educational empowerment of India’s tribal communities.
