Overview The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) and the National Tribal Research Institute (NTRI) organized the first-ever National Tribal Literary Fest 2025 . This two-day event, held during Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh , celebrates India’s rich tribal literary and cultural heritage and aims to provide a national platform for dialogue, preservation, and promotion of tribal knowledge systems. The event commemorates the 150th birth anniversary of Dhartiyaaba Bhagwan Birsa Munda , as declared by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi . Key Objectives To provide a national platform for dialogue on tribal literature and culture. To promote and preserve tribal knowledge systems. To celebrate India’s rich tribal literary and cultural heritage. Inaugural Ceremony The festival began with a floral tribute to Bhagwan Birsa Munda , followed by the lighting of the ceremonial lamp. The inaugural ceremony featured traditional Madia songs and dance , showcasing the diversity of India’s indigenous traditions. Dignitary Addresses Smt. Savitri Thakur, Hon’ble Minister of State, Ministry of Women and Child Development: Commended the government's commitment to tribal welfare and emphasized the role of the festival in realizing the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat . Smt. Meenakshi Jain, Hon’ble Member, Rajya Sabha: Highlighted the relationship between literature and cultural freedom, stressing the importance of intellectual freedom in nurturing tribal societies. Smt. Ranjana Chopra, Secretary, MoTA: Lauded tribal literature as a medium to amplify marginalized voices and foster inclusivity, congratulating NTRI for bringing together tribal poets, authors, and artists. Shri Nirupam Chakma, Member, National Commission for Scheduled Tribes: Stressed the importance of preserving smaller tribal languages to maintain India’s linguistic plurality. Shri Ashutosh Agnihotri, IAS, Chairman and Managing Director, FCI: Connected tribal literature with ancient Vedic traditions, reflecting on the deep ecological consciousness embedded in both. Prof. B. V. Sharma, Director, Anthropological Survey of India: Presented insights into the need for documentation and preservation of tribal oral literature. Shri Anant Prakash Pandey, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs: Emphasized the collective national effort to recognize and integrate tribal literature within India’s larger cultural narrative. Prof. Nupur Tiwary, Special Director, NTRI: Highlighted the ancient nature of India’s tribal civilization and the role of tribal communities as guardians of memory and protectors of nature. Festival Highlights The two-day festival includes panel discussions, poetry recitations, storytelling sessions, and exhibitions, bringing together tribal writers, artists, researchers, and policymakers from across the country. Key Themes Preservation of tribal knowledge systems and oral traditions. Promotion of tribal languages and cultural practices. Integration of tribal literature within India’s cultural narrative. Celebration of tribal contributions to India’s heritage. UPSC Relevance This event is relevant to GS1 (Indian Culture) , GS2 (Government Policies and Interventions) , and GS3 (Inclusive Growth) . It highlights the government's efforts to promote tribal welfare and preserve cultural heritage, which are important topics for the UPSC Civil Services Exam. Potential Questions Discuss the significance of preserving tribal languages and knowledge systems for national identity. Evaluate the government's initiatives in promoting tribal welfare and cultural empowerment. Analyze the role of tribal literature in promoting cultural resurgence and inclusivity.