New Delhi: The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, inaugurated the Aadi Mahotsav 2024 at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi today. Emphasizing the rich diversity of the country, the President stated that the sentiment of ‘unity in diversity’ has been a constant, fueled by the enthusiasm to understand, adopt, and respect each other’s traditions, food, and language. She expressed her delight in witnessing the unique confluence of tribal culture and heritage from various states at the Aadi Mahotsav, providing an excellent opportunity to acquaint oneself with the lifestyle, music, art, and cuisine of tribal communities across the nation.
Highlighting the impact of modernity on the environment, the President emphasized that progress should not come at the cost of nature. She lauded tribal communities worldwide for their centuries-old harmonious coexistence with nature, stressing the need to draw inspiration from their sustainable lifestyle. In the face of global challenges like climate change, the President found the lifestyle of tribal communities even more exemplary.
While acknowledging the role of technology in making lives easier, the President advocated against depriving tribal communities of its benefits. She recognized their significant contribution to the country’s overall development and stressed the importance of using technology for sustainable development, particularly for marginalized sections of society.
Drawing attention to India’s invaluable traditional knowledge, the President expressed concern over its gradual disappearance. She urged efforts to preserve and utilize this traditional wisdom, aligning it with contemporary needs. Technology, she noted, could play a pivotal role in this endeavor.
The President commended the launch of the Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Tribes (VCF-ST), anticipating that it would encourage entrepreneurship and a startup culture among the tribal community. She encouraged tribal youth to leverage this initiative, establish new enterprises, and contribute to building a self-reliant India.
The Aadi Mahotsav, organized by TRIFED under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, aims to showcase the diverse and rich heritage of India’s tribal communities. This year’s festival, scheduled from February 10 to 18, 2024, promises to be a celebration of tribal culture, fostering understanding and appreciation of their unique contributions to the nation’s identity.