Varanasi : In a significant move to honour and highlight India’s rich tribal heritage, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh Tribal Welfare Department, will celebrate ‘Tribal Pride Year 2025’. The grand celebration is scheduled for November 2025, to mark the centenary birth anniversary of tribal freedom fighter Bhagwan Birsa Munda. The initiative will also see active participation from the Social Welfare Department of Uttar Pradesh.
The announcement was made during a high-level meeting held on Monday at the Vice Chancellor’s Conference Hall at BHU, chaired by Minister of State for Social Welfare (Independent Charge), Shri Aseem Arun. He emphasized that this landmark event would not only give due recognition to tribal culture and history but also encourage tribal participation in policymaking, livelihood generation, and youth empowerment.
The event is expected to draw tribal artists, students, researchers, policymakers, and social workers from across the country. The minister stressed that the focus areas will include showcasing tribal culture, spreading awareness, promoting social sensitivity, creating innovation-led livelihood opportunities, and fostering inclusive development through policy dialogues.
Multiple government bodies will be involved in this initiative including the Ministry of Social Welfare, Ministry of Culture, Anthropological Survey of India, and various educational and cultural institutions.
Key Attractions Planned for ‘Tribal Pride Year 2025’ Include:
- “Saanjhi Virasat” – National Tribal Cultural Festival
- “Adi Lakhpati Didi” – Grand Convention for Tribal Women Entrepreneurs
- Tribal Entrepreneurship Conclave
- Adi Attire Festival
- National Tribal Photo Exhibition
- Live Tribal Art and Painting Shows
In addition, various competitions will be held focusing on tribal dance, singing, painting, debates, and essay writing, giving tribal youth a national platform to showcase their talent and voice their perspectives.
A comprehensive strategic plan was discussed during the meeting, with all participating departments directed to ensure timely and coordinated execution of activities. Officials emphasized that the goal is to establish ‘Tribal Pride Year 2025’ not just as a state-level event but as a historic and impactful national celebration.
This initiative represents a powerful step toward inclusive recognition and integration of India’s tribal communities, celebrating their invaluable contributions to the nation’s cultural, social, and economic fabric.
