In a heartwarming celebration of tribal culture and identity, Caritas India’s SAFBIN (Smallholder Adaptive Farming and Biodiversity Network) project marked World Indigenous Peoples Day on August 9, 2024. The event, held in the Gond tribal-dominated rural areas of Mandla and Sagar districts in Madhya Pradesh, brought together over 2,000 people from 20 villages, including duty bearers, public representatives, agriculture scientists, lawyers, tribal rights experts, and community members.

The event aimed to recognize and promote tribal communities, their culture, and their vital role in society. It also sought to improve the standard of living, empower the tribals, and foster respect for their community within society.

SAFBIN Project Associate emphasized the program’s crucial role in mitigating the negative impacts of climate change on tribal farmers’ agriculture. He acknowledged that climate change and development projects are profoundly affecting the livelihoods of marginal tribal farmers. Environmental degradation and improper resource management have also posed significant challenges for the tribals.

Dr. Pranav from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) highlighted the need to promote the cultivation of millets, traditional crops, and pulses to ensure food and nutritional security for the tribal community. He stressed the importance of adopting ancestral seeds to protect the community from serious diseases like malnutrition.

The event featured a vibrant cultural program showcasing the Gond tribal folk art, traditions, costumes, and local culture. Performances of Karma, Dadaria, Reena folk dances, and the Gond tribal Shaila folk dance captivated the audience. The traditional song ‘Tamura’ and dance on Nag Panchami Festival were also presented, reminding participants of their rich cultural heritage.

Fr. Thomas Philip, Director of Manav Vikas Seva Sangh (MVSS), emphasized the importance of water conservation, afforestation, land conservation, and the promotion of tribal culture. He assured the community of SAFBIN’s support in protecting their rights.

The event also included informative sessions on the Forest Rights Act (FRA) and reservation in government jobs, conducted by Mr. Rajpal Patel, the legal advisor of FRA. He provided detailed information about the tribal community’s rights and the process of submitting files to the forest department for land rights under FRA.Fr. Dominic Thomas, Director of Jabalpur Diocesan Social Service Society (JDSSS), highlighted the need to preserve the tribal community’s rich culture while ensuring access to quality education, good health facilities, and the rights provided by the Indian Constitution.

The program concluded with an enthusiastic rally, followed by the distribution of nutritional trees and agroforestry saplings for participants to plant during the Hariyai Mahotsava – 2024 tree plantation drive. The participants took an oath to conserve water, forests, and land, and pledged to empower their children through education to live with respect and equality in society.

Gopal Aadivasi, a participant from Tinsua Village in Sagar district, expressed his pride in the event, saying, “We are feeling very proud of this program, which provided information about the rights and authority of tribals like the PESA act and Forest Rights Act, and how to protect the constitutional rights of our tribal community.”

Caritas India’s SAFBIN project has taken a commendable step in celebrating World Indigenous Peoples Day, showcasing its commitment to preserving the identity, culture, and rights of tribal communities. By empowering the tribals with knowledge, promoting their traditions, and supporting their livelihoods, the project aims to create a more inclusive and equitable society that celebrates diversity.