Glimpses of the Three-Day Van Yatra in Odisha
BHUBANESWAR: A three-day Van Yatra organised under the guidance of Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, Odisha, concluded with 32 participants from eight cities of Haryana visiting tribal areas of the state and gaining first-hand insight into the community’s lifestyle, culture, traditions and developmental activities.
The delegation included six women and comprised six academicians, including a serving registrar of Gurugram University and a former vice-chancellor, two doctors, a lawyer, 11 prominent businesspersons, nine retired employees and four social workers.
During the tour, the participants visited 11 tribal villages across Gajapati, Ganjam and Kandhamal districts. They were briefed about various initiatives undertaken through projects associated with Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram in the fields of education, self-reliance, agricultural development and healthcare, besides efforts aimed at preserving the religious, cultural and traditional practices of tribal communities.
The visitors, who travelled from Kurukshetra in Haryana to Odisha, were received warmly by members of the tribal communities. They also witnessed traditional cultural performances, including Mayur Nrutya, Veer Nrutya, Saura dance and Sankirtan.
The visitors observed the social and economic challenges faced by tribal communities as well as their rich cultural traditions, community life and social values. According to the organisers, the participants appreciated the opportunity to experience tribal culture and traditions at close quarters.
The organisers said the journey provided the participants with a direct understanding of the lifestyle and cultural heritage of tribal communities and the initiatives being undertaken for their social and economic development.
The Van Yatra was led by Jaibhagwan, Urban Work Pramukh of the Northern Region, and state president Mahendra Naresh. Manas Panda and two other participants from Odisha also accompanied the delegation.
Sah Kshetra Sangathan Mantri Vishwamitra, Sah Gram Vikas Pramukh Kora, Deepak and Veena, among others, assisted in coordinating the programme. Sangathan Mantri Krishna Chandra Bhati prepared the itinerary for the journey.
During the visit, the participants expressed their commitment to maintaining closer social ties with tribal communities and extending support to initiatives in education, culture and social development.
Jaibhagwan urged the representatives from urban areas to contribute to educational, religious, cultural and social development initiatives among tribal communities. The participants also expressed their willingness to provide financial assistance for the construction of hostels and temples.
At the conclusion of the Van Yatra, the participants travelled to Puri and offered prayers at the Sri Jagannath Temple before returning to Haryana.
The organisers said the journey strengthened the participants’ understanding of tribal society and provided an opportunity for interaction and cultural exchange between communities from Odisha and Haryana.
