Tribals pride of India, not criminals as branded by British: Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram chief

The president of the Akhil Bharatiya Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram has called for correcting distorted colonial narratives about India's tribal communities, portraying them as proud protectors of the country's culture.

Akhil Bharatiya Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram president Satyendra Singh on Thursday stressed the need to correct the ''distorted'' colonial narratives about tribals in the country, saying they are the pride of India and the protector of its culture, not criminals as branded by the British.

In an exclusive interview with PTI Videos, Singh said the Janjati Suraksha Manch, an affiliate of the Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, is organising a mega cultural conclave of tribals in Delhi on Sunday to send out a positive message about India's ''Vanvasi'' community to the world on the 150th birth anniversary of tribal icon Birsa Munda.

''Until now, much of what has been written and taught about tribal communities was written by British scholars and colonial thinkers. They did not present the tribal society correctly. They portrayed tribals as criminals or backward people. But the true history of the tribal society is very different. Tribal communities have contributed immensely to this country and its culture,'' Singh said.

''Whether during the Ramayan period, the Mahabharat period, the Mughal era or the British rule -- tribal communities fought to protect their culture and traditions. But they never accepted subjugation. That is the self-respect of the tribal society.

''The culture, traditions, lifestyle and folk arts of tribal communities are all a matter of pride for this country. Therefore, we want the message to reach the entire world that the tribal society is the pride of this nation and the protector of its culture,'' he added.

The event, ''Janjati Sanskritik Samagam'', is scheduled to be held at the Red Fort grounds here on May 24 and expected to witness participation from tribal communities across the country.

Through this birth-anniversary programme, Singh said they want to convey that the tribal society is always ready to contribute to the nation.

He also said the gathering will help build a ''positive narrative'' about tribal communities.

''People from all over the country are coming for this event. A very positive narrative will emerge from this gathering. Those who spread a negative narrative about tribal communities will be answered with a positive one -- that the tribal society is a community capable of leading the nation forward,'' he said.

Asked about the scale of preparations, Singh said around 500 tribal communities and nearly 1.5 lakh people are expected to participate in the event.

He said the organisers want participants from different parts of the country to experience the spirit of ''Atithi Devo Bhava'' and return with a sense of national unity.

''The Delhi unit and various committees of the Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram are working together. We do not organise programmes merely for the sake of organising those. We want meaningful outcomes. Through this event, we want both the urban society here and the tribal communities coming from across the country to imbibe the spirit of 'Atithi Devo Bhava'.

''People from tribal communities are coming to Delhi from distant places. Therefore, many people associated with our ideology and organisations are helping in the arrangements. We are ensuring proper accommodation, food and water facilities for everyone,'' Singh said.

''When they return home, they should feel that all of us -- city-dwellers and tribal communities alike -- are one people, one nation. Our guiding thought is that we are all Bharatiya. The feeling of 'You and I -- one blood' should settle in everyone's hearts. We also want tribal communities, who have always worked to preserve their culture and traditions, to continue playing that role in the future.

''That is why all these arrangements are being made. It is not an ordinary task. The people of Delhi and various organisations have supported us immensely,'' he said.

Calling the programme not merely cultural but also social in nature, Singh said there is a need to change prevailing perceptions about tribal communities.

''There are many misconceptions about the tribal society. Some people separate India's culture from tribal communities but in reality, the tribal society has always been a carrier and protector of Indian civilisation and Sanatan culture. We want to send the message that the tribal society protects this nation.

''People today often debate whether tribal communities are part of the Sanatan Hindu society or not. We believe tribal communities are part of the mainstream. But what is the mainstream? Is it only skyscrapers, luxury cars and material prosperity? No. The true mainstream is moving forward while preserving culture and traditions. The tribal society represents that mainstream,'' he said.

Referring to tribal social structures, Singh said tribal communities function collectively and emphasise community-based decision-making.

''The tribal society functions collectively. It believes in community life and collective decision-making. At a time when families are breaking apart, this itself is a major message for the world,'' he said.