SPEECH BY HER EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA SHRIMATI PRATIBHA DEVISINGH PATIL AT INAUGRATION OF THE NATIONAL LEVEL TRIBAL FESTIVAL 'PRAKRITI'

New Delhi, 16th March, 2011

Ladies and Gentleman,

and tribal brothers and sisters from all over the country present here,

I am delighted to be among you and to inaugurate the National Tribal Festival entitled 'Prakriti', organized by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and the Ministry of Culture.

Diversity is the hall-mark of India. Its population is a composition of people speaking close to 1700 languages and dialects. Followers of almost every religion of the world live here. In our vast land are mighty mountains, hills, coastal areas, deserts and plains. Each of its regions has people who follow their own local customs and traditions. Among them is also the tribal population of India. Each tribe has its own specific cultural identity, reflected in its handloom designs and head gear and its dance and music. In each of these aspects one can see the deep rooted beliefs, traditions and history of that tribe. The grace of tribal societies, their hospitality and warmth in welcoming guests, and their close proximity to nature, has enlivened the rich texture of our national fabric.

Prakriti, the name of this festival, suggests the intimate relationship between the tribes and nature. The tribes of India are the custodians of a large volume of our indigenous knowledge and traditional practices, much of it based on a deep understanding of natural products and nature's cycles. They are the inheritors of age old practices, which constitute the heritage of the country. All efforts should be made to preserve and document this vast knowledge in a proper manner.

There is need for continuous efforts to ensure the development of the tribal population, as it is fundamentally linked to our inclusive growth goal. Issues connected with these communities are complex, requiring a sensitive approach. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs is implementing programmes relating to the welfare of tribals. Furthermore, to provide broad policy guidelines, as also to monitor and review programmes aimed at improving the lives of tribal groups, a National Council for Tribal Welfare has been constituted, which is chaired by the Prime Minister. I would like to particularly mention the landmark legislation - the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, which has provided them rights over their land and resources. I am informed that more than 11 lakh titles have been given under this Act. Further efforts in this direction should continue, as also development efforts of the Scheduled Tribe communities. However, as the tribes develop, simultaneously they should look at preservation of their rich traditions.

I am happy to inaugurate today's Tribal Festival, as it brings the tribal culture to the capital city, giving us an opportunity to appreciate their culture. The festival also provides a platform for tribes from various places and diverse backgrounds to mingle and learn from each other. I hope this helps in developing better understanding and appreciation between the different communities.

In conclusion, I convey my good wishes to all present here, as well as to the artists. I am sure that, like me, all of you must be looking forward to the performances.

Thank you.

Jai Hind!