Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the National Tribal Festival “Aadi Mahotsav” at a colorful function at Dilli Haat, INA, today. The 15 days’ festival (16th to 30th November, 2019) is the celebration of the spirit of Tribal Craft, Culture, Cuisine and Commerce. Union Tribal Affairs Minister Shri Arjun Munda, Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Smt. Renuka Singh; Tribal Affairs Minister of Nagaland, Shri Temjen Imna Along; Members of Parliament, Smt Meenakshi Lekhi, Shri Jual Oram and Smt M. C. Mary Kom; Chairman, TRIFED, Shri R.C. Meena; Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs Shri Deepak Khandekar and MD, TRIFED, Shri Praveen Krishna were present on the occasion.In his inaugural address, Shri Amit Shah dwelt upon many new transformational initiatives of the Union Government over the last five years for the overall development and welfare of tribal population in country. He particularly highlighted measures like expansion of Eklavya Model Schools, extending benefits to large number of tribals under Forest Rights Act, increasing the budget manifold of several important schemes of Ministry of Tribal Affairs, opening Tribal Freedom Fighters’ Museums and expansion of Tribal Research Institutes among others. The Home Minister emphasized upon the significant contribution of tribal people in protection of environment and culture. He explained that the tribals in the country have benefitted from the people friendly initiatives of the Government like Ujjawala, Ayushman, construction of toilets under Swachhata Abhiyan and construction of homes among others. He assured that the government will continue to work incessantly for the development and empowerment of the tribal population.The Home Minister and other dignitaries paid homage to the great tribal freedom fighter, Bhagwan Birsa Munda whose birth anniversary was observed yesterday. He also launched some new tribal products under the Van Dhan Scheme on the occasion.
Arjun Munda is his address, said that the need of the hour is to connect with the tribals who are true lovers of nature and want to live with nature. If urban people start using tribal products, they will be able to avoid several physical ailments. Adivasi way of life is guided by primal truths, eternal values and a natural simplicity, the Minister explained. The greatness of the tribes lies in this that they have managed to retain the primal skills and the natural simplicity. Their creations issue from the depths of time. This quality gives their arts and crafts a timeless appeal. He said that the Van Dhan Scheme has been started by the government to empower the tribals and the endeavour of the Ministry is to connect with the unique culture, arts and crafts of the tribals to the international market.Smt. Renuka Singh in her address said over 1000 tribal artisans and artists from 27 states are participating in the Mahotsav. The concept of organizing Aadi Mahotsav in major cities has proved to be a boon for tribal artisans by eliminating the middle man and providing direct access to large markets, otherwise impossible to reach for them. Tribal artisans are very creative and enterprising and we need to promote them through such tribal festivals. She called upon people to purchase tribal products which are of good quality and will strengthen the tribal people. Tribal products are linked with traditional Indian culture.Chairman TRIFED, Shri R. C. Meena, in his speech said that TRIFED is doing significant work for the overall development and welfare of tribal people and events like Aadi Mahotsav are very important in this regard. The tribes of India have a wide range of handicrafts and the government seeks to promote interaction between tribal artisans and the people.The theme of the Mahotsav is: “A Celebration of the Spirit of Tribal Culture, Craft, Cuisine and Commerce”. The festival features exhibition-cum-sale of tribal handicrafts, art, paintings, fabric, jewellery and much more through 220 stalls.
Over 1000 tribal artisans and artists from different States creating a Mini-India are participating in the festival.Post inauguration of event on 16th November 2019, the balance 14 days of the festival have been dedicated to Parliamentarian’s Day, All India Service Day, Diplomats Day, Tourism Day, Defence Day, Sports Day, Textile Day, IAS Officers Wive’s Association, Media Day, Cooperative Day, North East Day, TRIFED Partner/Tribal Entrepreneur Day with Closing Ceremony on last day i.e. 30th November 2019.The tribal textiles manufactured by Master tribal Craftsmen from Jammu & Kashmir in the North to Tamil Nadu in the South and from Gujarat in the West to Nagaland/Sikkim in the East are the main attractions. For the first time, this AADI MAHOTSAV is showcasing a wide range of products from the tribal artisan from Leh (Ladaakh). Apart from this special attraction a wide range of products from North Easter States are on display and sale. The Tribal handicrafts are sold through more than 220 Stalls under the Tribes Banner by tribal Artisans.In line with the national aspiration to go cashless, the tribal artisans are accepting payment through major credit/debit cards for which Point of Sale (POS) machines have been provided in each stall. A special training has been conducted by State Bank of India for smooth operations of this. The Mahotsav is displaying the rich digital commerce and e-commerce being promoted by Tribes India.TRIBES India proudly informs the signing of MOUs with Amazon, Amazon.com, Snapdeal, Flipkart, PayTM and GEM, a Government of India Portal for e-commerce of the tribal products. Besides TRIBES India has also has its own e-com portal www.tribesindia.com. The Aadi Mahotsav is an effort to take tribal commerce to the next level of digital and electronic transactions. The Mahotsav apart from exotic handicrafts is also showcasing the electronic and digital skills of the tribals as a special attraction.As the name of this event Aadi Mahotsav suggests, it is the ‘adi’ factor that is important about them.