President Droupadi Murmu to Interact with Tribal Scholarship Beneficiaries During ‘Birsa Lives in New Bharat Week’
New Delhi, June 1, 2026: As part of the nationwide celebrations of “Janjatiya Garima Utsav”, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs will organise a special interactive session between President of India Droupadi Murmu and beneficiaries of the Ministry’s flagship scholarship programmes for Scheduled Tribe (ST) students.
The interaction will take place during “Birsa Lives in New Bharat Week”, being observed from May 25 to June 2, 2026, in honour of the enduring legacy of Birsa Munda, one of India’s most revered tribal icons known for his struggle against colonial rule and his commitment to social justice and national awakening.
The event forms a key part of the month-long Janjatiya Garima Utsav, being celebrated from May 10 to June 9, 2026, to recognize the rich cultural heritage, traditions and contributions of India’s tribal communities to nation-building. The initiative also seeks to inspire tribal youth to pursue education, leadership, innovation and active participation in the vision of a developed India by 2047.
Around 200 Tribal Scholars to Participate
Approximately 200 tribal students from across the country are expected to participate in the interaction. These students are beneficiaries of various scholarship schemes of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and represent some of the most promising young scholars pursuing higher education, advanced research and international academic programmes.
Officials said the interaction with the President is expected to send a strong message regarding the Government’s commitment to educational empowerment, social inclusion and tribal development while encouraging students to strive for excellence in academics and public service.
Beneficiaries from Three Major Scholarship Schemes
The participating students are beneficiaries of three flagship Central Sector schemes:
National Fellowship for Scheduled Tribes (NFST)
The NFST is a fully funded fellowship programme that supports meritorious Scheduled Tribe students pursuing Ph.D. studies in India. Every year, 750 fresh fellowships are awarded, with nearly 3,000 students currently benefiting under the scheme.
National Scholarship Scheme for Higher Education of ST Students
This scholarship programme supports tribal students enrolled in undergraduate and postgraduate courses at 265 premier institutions across India, including engineering, medicine, law, management and information technology institutes. Around 2,500 fresh scholarships are awarded annually, benefiting nearly 7,000 students.
National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) for ST Students
The National Overseas Scholarship enables talented tribal students to pursue higher education in globally ranked universities abroad. Implemented in coordination with Indian missions overseas, the scheme provides 20 fresh awards each year. Currently, around 70 students are studying at leading international institutions under the programme.
Focus on Education, Leadership and Innovation
According to the Ministry, the interaction aims to motivate tribal students to pursue academic excellence, innovation and leadership while reinforcing the Government’s commitment to inclusive growth and transformative tribal empowerment.
The event is also expected to highlight the growing participation of tribal youth in higher education and research, reflecting ongoing efforts to create greater opportunities for social and economic advancement within tribal communities.
Source: Ministry of Tribal Affairs / PIB Delhi
