Shabari Sanskrutika Bhavan Inaugurated in Bhubaneswar, Marks New Chapter in Tribal Empowerment

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated the Shabari Sanskrutika Bhavan at IRC Village in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday. The newly opened centre, dedicated to the tribal communities of southern Odisha—particularly from Koraput, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, and Malkangiri—will serve as a vital hub for short-stay accommodation, educational support, employment facilitation, and cultural promotion.

During the inaugural ceremony, the Chief Minister announced a ₹2 crore grant for the upgradation of the facility and assured that all necessary infrastructure and support would be provided to develop it into a vibrant cultural and community resource centre. Emphasising its broader role, Majhi said the Bhavan would act as a launchpad for tribal leadership and youth development, serving not only as a temporary shelter but as a symbol of aspiration and opportunity.

Majhi stressed that tribal culture encompasses more than folklore and festivals; it is an enduring way of life that shapes Odisha’s identity. He noted that Shabari Bhavan would host a wide range of activities including conferences, training programmes, art exhibitions, and cultural research initiatives. These engagements, he said, would help tribal communities access resources and opportunities while staying connected to their roots.

The Chief Minister further announced plans for the establishment of a Tribal Culture and Heritage Bhavan and a Tribal Language Institute in Bhubaneswar. Highlighting his government’s commitment, he said a record ₹68,881 crore has been earmarked for the welfare of Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes in Odisha. “Our government is deeply committed to equitable growth. As a member of the tribal community, I consider it my responsibility to work tirelessly for their progress,” he added.

Looking ahead to the centenary of Odisha’s formation in 2036, Majhi said that the state has prepared a roadmap with 36 dedicated programmes—titled “36 for 36”—aimed at ensuring inclusive growth and tribal empowerment. He underscored that the 24% tribal population of Odisha would play a critical role in this transformation. “Development will be meaningful only when all sections of society walk together on the path of progress,” he remarked.

Minister of Mass Education and President of the Shabari Sanskrutika Parishad, Nityananda Gond, echoed these sentiments and underlined the unique contribution of tribal culture to the identity and pride of Odisha. He noted that the newly constituted South Odisha Development Council, with an initial allocation of ₹200 crore, will further boost growth in the region, with Shabari Bhavan serving as an important institution in that journey.

The event witnessed participation from a host of dignitaries, including Members of Parliament Muna Khan and Balabhadra Majhi, former ministers Ramesh Chandra Majhi and Arabinda Dhali, and MLAs such as Tara Prasad Bahinipati, Gauri Shankar Majhi, Narsingh Bhatra, Rupa Bhatra, Raghuram Macha, Narsingh Madkami, Kadrak Apalswamy, Nilamadhab Hikka, and former minister Jagannath Saraka.