Government to preserve tribal heritage while promoting education and jobs, says official

The State government is according equal priority to preserving tribal culture, traditions, arts and dance forms and providing quality education and employment opportunities to tribal communities, said Tribal Welfare Department Secretary M. Mallikarjuna Nayak.

Addressing the second-day programme of the World Adivasi Day celebrations at Tummalapalli Kalakshetram in Vijayawada on Monday, Mr. Mallikarjuna Nayak said the government was committed to the overall development of tribal communities while preserving their rich cultural heritage.

The Tribal Welfare Department and the Tribal Cultural Research and Training Mission organised a tribal dance festival and an art exhibition as part of the celebrations.

Mr. Mallikarjuna Nayak said tribal students should be encouraged to pursue modern education while remaining connected to their cultural roots. The government was taking steps to improve educational standards and infrastructure in tribal welfare residential schools and ashram schools, he said.

Efforts were also being made to secure national and international recognition for tribal art forms, he said. A comprehensive database of tribal artistes in the State would be prepared through the Tribal Research Mission, while traditional musical instruments would be collected and preserved. Training would also be provided to emerging artistes and instructors to nurture their talent.

The government was working on programmes to strengthen the tribal cultural wing with the support of the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs, he said. Tribal dance forms should receive the same recognition and encouragement as classical art forms such as Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam, he added.

Tribal Cultural Research and Training Mission Director Mandarani, members of the Tribal Advisory Council, ST Cell leaders, officials of the Tribal Welfare Department, TRM officials, tribal artistes, students and art enthusiasts attended the programme.