New Delhi: Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram has been committed to building a capable, dignified, and self-reliant tribal society, said Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale at the inauguration of Bhagwan Birsa Munda Bhavan, a Tribal Research and Training Centre of Akhil Bharatiya Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram at Pushp Vihar, New Delhi, on August 31.
Dattatreya Hosabale lauded the Ashram and its activists for their relentless efforts to protect and preserve tribal identity and existence while ensuring their holistic development.
He stressed that developmental initiatives in tribal areas must empower the people rather than displace them, affirming that tribal communities should not be reduced to mere exhibits in a museum but nurtured as a vibrant, living culture.
He further expressed confidence that this mission would be carried forward in the right spirit through the establishment of Bhagwan Birsa Munda Bhawan.
The newly constructed Bhavan, named in memory of the legendary tribal freedom fighter Bhagwan Birsa Munda, was formally dedicated to the nation in the presence of a large gathering of men and women activists, representatives of various institutions, and members of civil society.
Durga Das Uike, Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, who graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour, observed that the contributions of tribal communities to Indian civilization are immense. He expressed hope that the Birsa Munda Bhawan would play a significant role in showcasing and promoting tribal life and culture.
Kiren Rijiju, Minister of Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, who was also present as a Guest of Honour at the event, observed that the tribal communities of India—from east to west and north to south—are very much an integral part of the nation’s social mainstream, alongside other communities. He noted that they have always played a vital role in safeguarding India’s borders, from ancient times to the present day. He further emphasized that the Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram is the only organisation that has built a heart-to-heart connection with tribal communities, not by approaching them as benefactors, but by treating them as their own brethren.
Manohar Lal Khattar, Union Minister of Urban Development and Energy, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, highlighted the Government’s commitment towards strengthening infrastructure and welfare programs for tribal communities. He said that the Bhavan will become a hub of research, training, and leadership development, paving the way for inclusive development.
The event was presided over by Satyendra Singh, President of Akhil Bharatiya Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram. In his address, he remarked that since time immemorial, the tribal communities of India have safeguarded and nurtured nature through a way of life deeply rooted in reverence for the environment and all that it represents. He further informed the gathering that Kalyan Ashram has consistently endeavoured to protect tribal identity (asmita) and existence (astitva), while simultaneously ensuring their holistic development (vikas).Vishnukant Ji, All India Joint General Secretary outlined the objectives and purposes the Bhawan is envisioned to serve.
Blessings were invoked by Pujya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Yatindranand Giri Ji Maharaj of Jeevan Deep Ashram, Roorkee, who lauded the initiative as a spiritual and cultural milestone for the tribal society and the nation at large. Swamiji remarked that development achieved at the cost of nature is not true development but rather destruction. He emphasized that tribal communities must have a voice in developmental activities carried out in their regions. He also praised the work of Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, describing it as noble and divine service.
Vishnukant Ji, All India Joint General Secretary outlined the objectives and purposes the Bhawan is envisioned to serve.
Senior functionaries of the Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram—including Yogesh Bapat, Atul Jog, Vishnu Kant, Suresh Kulkarni, Praveen Dolke, and Dr Madhavi Deb Barman were also present, alongside heads and deputy heads of educational institutions from Delhi and NCR.
The evening concluded with a collective resolve to carry forward the mission of holistic development of India’s tribal society, inspired by the ideals of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. The grand ceremony attended by prominent dignitaries, social leaders, and activists.
