New Delhi, 02 June (H.S.): President Droupadi Murmu said that India is not lacking in talent; what is needed is the ability to identify, nurture, and provide proper guidance and opportunities to deserving individuals. She emphasized that with the right opportunities, young people from villages, remote regions, and tribal communities can achieve excellence and bring pride to the nation. The President called upon tribal youth to draw inspiration from the legacy of Birsa Munda and actively contribute to the building of a developed India.

Addressing beneficiaries of scholarship schemes during a special interaction programme titled “Birsa’s Living Legacy Week in New India,” organized under the ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Utsav’, at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday, the President spoke to selected beneficiaries of key scholarship programmes run by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. The event was held as part of the month-long ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Utsav’ being observed from May 10 to June 9.

The programme was attended by Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Jual Oram, Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Durgadas Uikey, the President’s Secretary Deepti Umashankar, senior ministry officials, and 200 selected beneficiaries of three major scholarship schemes: the National Fellowship for Scheduled Tribes, the National Scholarship for Higher Education for Tribal Students, and the National Overseas Scholarship Scheme.

The President said that during the interaction, several young beneficiaries shared how government scholarship programmes had transformed their lives and enabled them to pursue their aspirations. She noted that such success stories serve as a source of inspiration for young people across the country. There is no shortage of talented youth in India’s remote villages and tribal regions; the real challenge is ensuring that they receive proper guidance, support, and opportunities. The achievements of the students present at the programme, she said, demonstrate that tribal youth can excel at both national and international levels when given the right platform.

Highlighting the importance of education, President Murmu described it as the most powerful tool for empowerment. Education makes individuals self-reliant, informed, and capable, and has the potential to transform their lives. She said education had played a crucial role in her own journey and that she has consistently worked to raise awareness about its importance within tribal communities.

The President further observed that a person’s true identity is rooted in their society, culture, and traditions. When individuals lose touch with their identity, they also risk distancing themselves from their responsibilities. Therefore, she urged tribal youth to embrace modern education and technology while preserving and cherishing their rich cultural heritage and traditions. She also noted that many talented students continue to miss opportunities simply because they are unaware of scholarship programmes and government welfare initiatives available to them.

Speaking on the occasion, Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram said that President Murmu has consistently encouraged tribal students and individuals who have excelled in various fields. He noted that the Ministry of Tribal Affairs is celebrating its 25th anniversary and has organized a series of special programmes to mark the occasion.

The minister added that initiatives such as the PM JANMAN and the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan are providing fresh momentum to the development of tribal communities. He said that the President’s guidance continues to serve as a constant source of inspiration for the ministry in its efforts to advance tribal welfare and empowerment.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar