BJP state gen sec Dharampal Singh addressing a meeting of party ST wing
Scheduled Tribe Morcha state president Vidya Bhushan Gond said a series of programmes and campaigns would be organised across UP till Nov 18. He said Modi govt has decided to observe November 15, the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas (Tribal Pride Day) to recognise the rich history of tribal communities, their contribution to India’s freedom struggle and the sacrifices made by tribal icons.
Singh said the programmes should also highlight the social, economic and political empowerment of ST communities under BJP govts. He said the vision of erstwhile Jana Sangh leaders like Syama Prasad Mookerjee and Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay was to take the organisation to the last person in society and contribute to nation-building through nationalism and social harmony. This vision was institutionalised through the concept of Antyodaya, he said, adding that BJP govts were working towards realising it. BJP subsequently constituted its Scheduled Tribe Morcha to enhance the educational, social, economic and political participation of tribal communities in Uttar Pradesh , he said.
He also recalled that a separate Union ministry for tribal development was established for the first time during the tenure of PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee.