New Delhi: PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the 'Aadi Mahotsav' at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in the national capital Delhi on Thursday (February 16). Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Arjun Munda was also present on the occasion. PM Modi paid tribute to freedom fighters and Bhagwan Birsa Munda here. Shree Anna, produced by the tribal communities, will be the focal point of the program.

Addressing this program, PM Modi said, 'These infinite diversities weave us into the thread of Ek Bharat - Shreshtha Bharat. Best wishes to all of you on 'Aadi Mahotsav'. It seems as if India's diversity and grandeur have come together today. It is like the infinite sky of India in which its diversity emerges like a rainbow. PM Modi further said, 'This festival is making the idea of ​​development and heritage more alive. The one who used to consider himself far away, now the government is going to his doorstep, bringing him into the mainstream. The interest of tribal society is a matter of personal relationships and feelings for me.

PM Modi said, 'I get a feeling of connecting with my loved ones after coming into your midst. I have spent several weeks with tribal communities and families in every corner of the country. I have seen your traditions closely, learned from them, and lived them as well. The lifestyle of the tribals has taught me a lot about the heritage and traditions of the country.' PM Modi said, 'Today India presents tribal tradition as its heritage and pride in global forums. Today India tells the world that if you want a solution to the challenges like climate change and global warming, then look at the living tradition of our tribals. You will find a way.' 

He said, 'How can we conserve nature by taking resources from it, we get inspiration from our tribal society. The demand for the products made by the tribal society of India is increasing continuously and these are being exported to foreign countries. Today, more than 80 lakh self-help groups are working in different states, in which more than 1.25 crore members are our tribal brothers and sisters and a large number of them are our mothers and sisters. PM Modi said, 'Tribal products should reach the maximum market, their recognition should increase, their demand should increase, the government is continuously working in this direction as well. More than three thousand 'Van Dhan Vikas Kendras' have been established in different states of the country. Today the government is giving MSP on about 90 minor forest products.

He said that today the emphasis of the government is on promoting tribal arts and enhancing the skills of tribal youth. New tribal research institutes are being opened in the country. These efforts are creating new opportunities for the tribal youth in their own area. Tribal children may be in any corner of the country, their education and their future are my priority. Between 2004 and 2014 only 90 'Eklavya Schools' were opened whereas from 2014 to 2022 we have approved more than 500 'Eklavya Schools'. Out of these, studies have started in more than 400 schools and more than one lakh tribal students have started studying in these schools.

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