Tribals always helped protect India's borders: Rijiju at Birsa Munda centre opening

The Akhil Bharatiya Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, an RSS affiliate, inaugurated the Bhagwan Birsa Munda Bhavan, a Tribal Research and Training Centre, at Pushp Vihar, New Delhi, on Sunday evening in a ceremony attended by prominent dignitaries, social leaders and activists.

The newly constructed Bhavan has been named in honour of legendary tribal freedom fighter Bhagwan Birsa Munda.

Vishnukant, All India Joint General Secretary of the Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, addressed the gathering and said the Bhavan is envisioned to serve as a dedicated space for tribal research, welfare, and training initiatives.

The event was presided over by Satyendra Singh, president of the Akhil Bharatiya Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram. In his address, he stated that since time immemorial, India’s tribal communities have safeguarded and nurtured nature through a way of life deeply rooted in reverence for the environment.

Durga Das Uike, Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, graced the occasion as Guest of Honour.

Kiren Rijiju, Minister of Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, who was present as a Guest of Honour at the event, observed that the tribal communities of India—from east to west and north to south—are very much an integral part of the nation’s social mainstream, alongside other communities.

He noted that they have always played a vital role in safeguarding India’s borders, from ancient times to the present day. He further emphasised that the Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram is the only organisation that has built a heart-to-heart connection with tribal communities, not by approaching them as benefactors, but by treating them as their own brethren.

Manohar Lal Khattar, Minister of Urban Development and Energy, who was the Chief Guest, highlighted the government’s commitment towards strengthening infrastructure and welfare programs for tribal communities. He said that the Bhavan will become a hub of research, training, and leadership development, paving the way for inclusive development.

18th birthday celebrations of Raj Darbhanga dynast

RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale and Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav today attended the 18th birthday celebrations of Arihant Singh, the son of erstwhile royals of Raj Darbhanga -- Kapileshwar Singh and Kavita Singh. Hosabale took the occasion to hail the Darbhanga kingdom's contributions to education and civilisational heritage. The Raj ended in 1962 with the death of last king Kameshwar Singh. The presence of top BJP and RSS brass on the occasion signalled the importance of the erstwhile Darbhanga royals in the society and politics of Mithila and north Bihar. Bihar goes to polls later this year.