Bhagwat Calls for Equal Opportunities, Amenities for Tribal
Mumbai: Emphasizing the need to bring tribal communities into the national mainstream, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat said the facilities available to other citizens should be extended to tribal populations to ensure inclusive development. He also emphasized that tribal communities should be provided equal opportunities with the rest of society.
Mr. Bhagwat was addressing a gathering of Karmaveer workers at the ‘Karmayogi Ekal Shikshak Melava 2026’ and ‘Karmayogi Award Distribution Ceremony’ organized by Laxmanrao Mankar Smruti Sanstha at the Gateway of India. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Maharashtra Tribal Development Minister Ashok Uike and Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar attended the event.
Speaking in Marathi, Mr. Bhagwat emphasized that despite India’s diversity in food, customs and traditions, the country has remained culturally united for centuries. He underlined that human life means service and collective uplift based on the ethos of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”.
Describing the program as one of “karmayogis”, he said it was driven by empathy rather than philanthropy. “Human life is meant to contribute to society and service should be seen as a duty and not a favor. It also helps in the development of the person,” he said, adding that this ethos is preserved through India’s Sanatan traditions.
Mr. Bhagwat stated that India’s cultural identity is deeply linked with forests and agriculture and tribal communities form an integral part of this identity, reiterating that the opportunities offered to citizens must reach tribal communities equally. “Without identity, existence cannot continue,” he said.
He also emphasized the importance of learning from marginalized communities’ preserved knowledge systems while integrating them into the mainstream. Praising the tribal communities, he said they preserved traditional knowledge despite adverse conditions and the society should both support them and learn from them.
The RSS chief also praised the work of Laxmanrao Mankar Smruti Sanstha for its initiatives.
Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Gadkari emphasized that politics should go beyond the quest for power and focus on development and social service. “To change the country, we need more karmayogis working to uplift the underdeveloped and exploited,” he said.
Mr. Gadkari noted that several RSS volunteers had contributed to the transformation of these areas and claimed that investments worth ₹ 6.5 lakh crore had been brought in these areas. He emphasized the need for improving education, healthcare and skill development for tribal youth, as well as efforts to reduce social inequality.
