RSS Chief Dr. Mohan Bhagwat Attends Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram National Conference; 13 Books Released, Focus on Tribal Development
Raipur: The National Worker’s Conference of Akhil Bharatiya Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram concluded successfully in Samalkha, Haryana. The three-day event saw participation from workers across the nation, with RSS Chief Dr. Mohan Bhagwat attending for two days. Dr. Bhagwat encouraged the workers to remain committed to tribal welfare, despite challenges, and urged them to continue their efforts to serve the tribal communities with dedication.
Dr. Bhagwat toured pavilions representing over 80 tribal communities, observing their traditional religious practices. He described the experience as witnessing the soul of India, emphasizing that unity in diversity is what binds Indian culture. He further remarked that such gatherings are essential in preserving India’s cultural identity and strengthening unity, especially in today’s times of cultural challenges.
The conference also brought attention to the issues surrounding tribal development in Maoist-affected areas. Chhattisgarh’s Regional Organization Minister, Shri Ramnath, highlighted the struggles of the tribal communities in Bastar, where Maoist insurgency has hindered development. He pointed out that tribal people have been deprived of basic government services, such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Schools, Anganwadi centers, and hospitals have been destroyed, posing significant challenges in providing essential services. Despite these difficulties, Shri Ramnath shared the efforts of Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram workers, who, in collaboration with state and central governments, have been working tirelessly to deliver development programs to these regions. He also discussed the Ashram’s initiatives in providing education and vocational training to tribal children, helping them become self-reliant.
A grand exhibition was held during the conference, showcasing Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram’s seven-decade journey and its contributions to tribal welfare. The exhibition was inaugurated by the Ashram’s National President Shri Satyendra Singh and Haryana’s Regional President Shri Ram Babu. Additionally, thirteen books were released during the event, including Rani Durgavati by Rekha Nagar and Dr. Madan Singh Baskel, The Creation Myth of the Santhal Tribe by Dr. Rajkishore Hansda, Apno Ke Apne Jagdev Ram by Ramlal Soni, and Global Genocide of Indigenous Peoples by Vivekananda.
The conference featured discussions on various topics, including tribal education, healthcare, and local employment opportunities. Delegates from Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh shared insights into the unique challenges faced by their regions and presented success stories from the Ashram’s initiatives in their respective states.
Key attendees included RSS Joint General Secretary Shri Ramdutt, National Commission for Scheduled Tribes Chairman Ater Singh Arya, Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram National Vice Presidents H.K. Nagu and Teji Guvin, General Secretary Yogesh Bapat, Organizational Secretary Atul Jog, Tribal Advisory Committee Member of Madhya Pradesh Urmila Bharti, Chhattisgarh Regional Organization Minister Shri Ramnath, and Padma Shri awardee Jageshwar Bhagat from Jashpur, along with a large number of workers from across the country.
