Naxalites quitting path of violence, joining mainstream of development: President Murmu

President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday said Naxalites have been shunning the path of violence and joining the mainstream, underscoring that coordinated efforts by the Centre and states will ensure the elimination of Left-Wing Extremism soon.

Addressing a 'Janjatiya Gaurav Divas' event in Ambikapur, the headquarters of Surguja district in Chhattisgarh, she said, tribal communities must move forward step by step along with other social groups.

Janjatiya Gaurav Divas is celebrated on November 15 to mark the birth anniversary of tribal icon Birsa Munda.

"People (Naxalites) have been abandoning the path of Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) and joining the mainstream of development in Chhattisgarh as well as across the country," she said. With the well-organised efforts of the Central and state governments, it will be possible to eliminate LWE in the near future, the President said.

The Centre and states have been jointly taking steps to achieve this goal, she said, calling the efforts "a very satisfying change".

Highlighting the dominant roles being played by tribals in various fields, she said more than 1,65,000 participants took part in the recently held Bastar Olympics, terming it a matter of great joy.

"I am confident that by following the ideals of tribal heroes, the residents of Chhattisgarh will make an invaluable contribution to building a strong, self-reliant, and Viksit Bharat (Developed India)," she said.

Murmu said women are the keepers of society, and when they progress, society moves forward. Recalling her recent meeting with the Indian Women's World Cup-winning cricket team at Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Murmu praised tribal cricketer Kranti Goud, saying she secured a place in the team through hard work and dedication.

She said Kranti's journey to the national team was filled with challenges, but she emerged as an inspiring example of courage and perseverance.

"Kranti Goud has presented a revolutionary example of hard work and determination for women across the country, especially for daughters of the tribal community," Murmu said, stressing that traditional sports must be preserved and promoted instead of letting them fade away.

The President said tribal communities have always shown deep interest and natural talent in sports and must continue to nurture this strength for future generations.

"During my visits to various states and Union territories, I participate in programmes focused on tribal communities. I interact with these communities and give special importance to meeting tribal sisters because women are the keepers of society. It is said that if women progress, society will progress. Women are the 'Janani' (mother) of society," she said.

The President said tribal communities form nearly one-third of Chhattisgarh's population. The development of the state and the progress of its tribal population are complementary, she said, adding that the contribution of tribal communities is a "glorious chapter" in India's history. "India is the mother of democracy, with evidence visible not only in ancient republican systems but also in traditional tribal institutions such as Bastar's 'Muria Darbar', regarded as a form of an 'aadim jan-sansad' (primitive people's assembly)," she said.

Murmu called her association with tribal communities natural as she herself comes from the same group. "I am proud to be a woman and to have been born into a tribal community," she said.

Highlighting the Centre's efforts to strengthen tribal communities, she said the Centre has launched the 'Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan' during the 150th birth anniversary year of Bhagwan Birsa Munda.

Murmu said the move is helping create a network of nearly 20 lakh volunteers across the country to support local tribal development.

She said the last decade has seen major initiatives for tribal welfare at the national level.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched the 'Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan', aimed at benefiting more than 5 crore tribal people. The Centre has also started the PM-JANMAN mission for the holistic development of 75 particularly vulnerable tribal groups, she added.

"These initiatives reflect the priority being accorded to tribal communities by the government," the President said.

Chhattisgarh Governor Ramen Deka, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and other state ministers were present at the event.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)