Tribal’s: Children of Nature and Guardians of Culture

– Lalit Garg

World Tribal Day, observed on August 9, is not merely a constitutional formality, but a significant occasion to remember the roots of our civilization and the source of our collective sensitivity. It is not only a call to safeguard the existence, rights—jal, jungle, zameen (water, forest, land)—and lives of tribal communities but also an opportunity to acknowledge their invaluable contribution to the rebuilding of New India. The tribal community is not a backward group, but rather an inexhaustible source of cultural vitality. From the freedom struggle to environmental protection, from social harmony to spiritual traditions—they have played a revolutionary role in every direction.

Tribals are truly the children of nature and the guardians of our culture. The statement, "He who is connected to nature is the true protector of humanity," perfectly applies to tribal communities. The word “tribal” is not just a social identity—it is a philosophy; a vision of simplicity, collectivism, balance, and coexistence. Nearly 90% of India's mineral wealth, medicinal plants, and biodiversity are found in tribal regions. Their lives are not governed by the superficialities of modern civilization but by the core of human empathy. Though often called “forest dwellers,” their life philosophy offers an alternative to urban pretense and reconnects us to a natural, meaningful way of living.

In today’s India, where development is often equated with multinational investment, dazzling infrastructure, and smart cities, the values upheld by the tribal community are being displaced. The exploitation in the name of jal, jungle, zameen—including resource plundering, religious conversion, cultural erosion, and forced land acquisitions—not only worsens their economic conditions but also erodes their identity, language, culture, and traditions. Presently, tribals are burdened by debt, illiteracy, migration, poor health, and unemployment. So-called development has alienated them, rendering them invisible citizens within their own country—often without ration cards, identity documents, or political representation.

If the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s New India is to truly fulfill the mantra “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas” (Together with all, development for all, trust of all), then tribal resurgence must be the foremost priority. In this regard, the work of renowned Jain monk Gani Rajendra Vijayji is of great significance. His life has become a triad of struggle, service, and harmony for tribal upliftment. For years, he has led efforts in tribal areas, promoting education, healthcare, addiction prevention, employment, and cultural enrichment. His “Happy Family Campaign” has transformed into a mass movement that awakens not just families but the entire tribal community. He inspires tribals with self-confidence, dignity, and self-reliance. His efforts include girls’ education centers, moral education drives, self-reliance workshops for youth, women’s health programs, tribal cottage industries, cultural enhancement initiatives, and self-help groups. He is sowing the seeds of non-violence, morality, and Indian values in tribal hearts so that they do not lose touch with their roots but instead reconnect with pride.

Today, the tribal identity is under greater threat not just from external economic and political exploitation, but from internal cultural disintegration. Religious conversions not only alter religious affiliations but also breed mental enslavement and anti-national sentiments. Gani Rajendra Vijayji deeply understands this threat. He has chosen the path of peace, dialogue, and spiritual reawakening to counter conversion. He has integrated the values of Jainism along with the positive elements of all religions into tribal life, so they are protected from any form of cultural violence. He firmly believes that every tribal must look within and recognize that they are not just forest dwellers, but carriers of a grand cultural legacy. He encourages introspection with the message: “One who is disconnected from their roots can never be worthy of real development.” Inspired by him, many tribal youth have pursued education, gained employment, initiated cottage industries, and most importantly—reclaimed their sense of pride and identity.

As the world rapidly advances towards artificial intelligence, block chain, drone technology, and digital innovation, it is essential to integrate tribal communities into this evolving mainstream. For them, technology can serve not only as a tool of change but also as a means of preservation and empowerment. AI-based language translation can preserve tribal dialects and folklore in digital formats, sharing their rich cultural heritage globally. Drones and GIS technology can help secure tribal land rights. Mobile health units, telemedicine, and digital classrooms can significantly improve the quality of life even in remote areas. Innovation becomes truly meaningful when it offers global learning opportunities to a tribal youth living in the forest—without uprooting them from their origins.

Today’s globalized world is increasingly embracing the idea of “local to global,” and tribal communities can play a pivotal role in this vision. Their traditional knowledge, organic farming practices, understanding of forest medicine, handicrafts, and eco-friendly lifestyles can provide the world with a sustainable alternative way of life. To achieve this, it is essential that tribal youth embrace modern education while staying connected to their cultural values. They need to recognize and nurture their entrepreneurial potential—through forest-based industries, eco-tourism, tribal crafts, and cultural festivals. Their products can reach global markets through digital marketplaces. The vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India) will only be complete when tribal communities are empowered from within and rise with confidence.

India’s independence was not won only in royal courts and open fields, but also in the forests and hills, where tribal warriors shook the very foundations of the British Empire. Extraordinary leaders like Birsa Munda—a warrior and spiritual icon—not only resisted British land grabs and conversions but also led an armed revolution. His Ulgulan (Great Rebellion) in Jharkhand was a historic assertion of tribal identity and pride. Similarly, heroes like Sidhu-Kanhu, Rani Durgavati, Komaram Bheem of Telangana, Govind Guru of the Bhil movement, Tenali Ram Bawari, and Narayan Singh made ultimate sacrifices to prove that the first flames of India’s freedom were ignited in tribal regions. Yet, unfortunately, their contributions remain underrepresented in mainstream history. World Tribal Day is a moment to remember these forgotten heroes, to celebrate their legacy, and to inspire the new generation with their courage and sacrifice.

World Tribal Day is symbolic—but its true observance must come from policy, intention, and commitment. Speeches, announcements, and schemes alone will not uplift tribal communities. We need to listen to them, understand them, and walk alongside them. Their rights to land, water, and forests must be protected both legally and ethically. Their languages, traditions, music, and dance must be preserved. Education and healthcare must be made available in a culturally sensitive context. Political empowerment and representation must be ensured. A new India cannot be complete without the soul of the tribal community—because India’s soul resonates in their rhythms, in the beat of their drums, in their mandars, flutes, folk songs, dances, and in their simplicity.If we truly want to build a new India, we must stand with the tribal people—not just for them, but with them. Saints like Gani Rajendra Vijayji are lighting the way forward like a torch of hope and purpose. On this World Tribal Day, let us not merely remember them—let us connect with them in empathy, preservation, and participation. That alone would be the truest Rashtradharma—our duty to the nation.