“The contribution of Janjatiya society is immense”. – Union Minister Kiren Rijiju
‘Bhartiya Janjatiya Samaj’ Book Released at IGNCA
23rd December, New Delhi:
The Janapada Sampada Division of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) organised the release and discussion of the significant book ‘Bhartiya Janjatiya Samaj’ (Shikshit Evam Shashakt Bhoomika Mein Aatmanirbharta ki Oar) under the Gyanpath Series. The Chief Guest on the occasion was Shri Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs. The Distinguished Guest was Shri Antar Singh Arya, Chairman, National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, who spoke on contemporary discourses related to tribal society, policy initiatives, and the need for cultural preservation.
Dr. Asha Lakra, Member, National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, was present as Special Guest and situated the book’s themes within the broader framework of social justice and inclusive development. The book has been authored by sociologist and educator Dr. Sweety Tiwari. The welcome address was delivered by Prof. K. Anil Kumar, Chairman, Janapad Sampada Division, IGNCA, who elaborated on the concept of the Gyanpath Series, describing it as a strong platform for contemporary intellectual dialogue. Shri Suresh Kulkarni of Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram was also present on the occasion.
In his address, Shri Kiren Rijiju stated that the respect due to Janjatiya communities was not accorded to them for 60–70 years after Independence, and that their representation remained largely symbolic. Recalling his student days at Delhi University, he remarked that only a few individuals and organisations truly understood Janjatiya communities and worked among them, such as Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram and a few others, who served with dedication while living alongside Janjatiya people. He cautioned that engaging with Janjatiya communities under the pretext of service for the purpose of conversion alters their existence, dilutes their culture in the name of empowerment, and ultimately erodes their core identity. For Janjatiya communities, he emphasised, identity and respect are of paramount importance.
The Minister further stated that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has undertaken significant initiatives for the empowerment of Janjatiya communities. For the first time, three members from Janjatiya communities have been appointed as Ministers in the Union Cabinet. The Prime Minister has also urged that the contributions of Janjatiya communities to the freedom struggle be highlighted. He noted the declaration of 15 November, the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, as ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas’, describing it not merely as a commemoration of Birsa Munda but as a tribute honouring all Janjatiya communities.
Shri Rijiju underlined that while tribal communities have made immense contributions to the nation, many within the community remain unaware of their own historical role and inherent capacities. In this context, he described the publication of such an academic work as extremely important and praised the author, assuring his own efforts to support and promote the book.
Author Dr. Sweety Tiwari spoke about the book, reflecting on the historical, social, and cultural journey of Janjatiya communities. She remarked that even in profound darkness, the flame of Janjatiya society has never dimmed. Drawing attention to societal neglect, she observed that while much is said about Ganga–Jamuni tehzeeb, little is spoken of Ganga–Damodar tehzeeb, noting that the Damodar is a major river of Jharkhand, a state with a substantial Janjatiya population. She also emphasised that education is not merely literacy, but an awareness of rights.
The programme was held in the presence of a significant gathering of scholars, researchers, students, and informed audiences associated with cultural studies. The event proved to be intellectually meaningful and contributed to a deeper, multidimensional understanding of Bhartiya Janjatiya society.
