Bhagwat Calls for Equal Opportunities, Amenities for Tribal

Mumbai: Emphasising the need to bring tribal communities into the national mainstream, Mohan Bhagwat, chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, said that amenities readily available to other citizens must be extended to tribal populations to ensure inclusive development. He also stressed that tribal communities should be provided equal opportunities on par 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,’ organised by the Laxmanrao Mankar Smruti Sanstha at the Gateway of India. The event was attended by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Maharashtra Tribal Development Minister Ashok Uike, and Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar.Speaking in Marathi, Mr. Bhagwat highlighted that despite India’s diversity in food, traditions, and customs, the country has remained culturally unified for centuries. He underscored that human life is meant for service and collective upliftment, rooted in the ethos of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.”Describing the programme as one of “karmayogis,” he said it was guided by empathy rather than charity. “Human life is meant for contributing to society, and service should be seen as a duty, not a favour. It also helps to develop oneself,” he said, adding that this ethos has been preserved through India’s Sanatan traditions.Mr. Bhagwat reiterated that opportunities available to citizens must equally reach tribal communities, noting that India’s cultural identity is deeply linked to forests and agriculture, with tribal communities forming an integral part of that identity. “Without identity, existence cannot endure,” he said.He also stressed the importance of integrating marginalised communities into the mainstream while learning from their preserved knowledge systems. Praising tribal communities, he said they have safeguarded traditional knowledge despite adverse circumstances and that society must both support them and learn from them.The RSS chief also commended the work of the Laxmanrao Mankar Smruti Sanstha for its initiatives.Addressing the gathering, Mr. Gadkari emphasised that politics should move beyond the pursuit of power and focus on development and social service. “To change the country, we need more karmayogis working for the upliftment of backward and exploited sections,” he said.Mr. Gadkari noted that several RSS volunteers contributed to transforming these regions and claimed that investments worth ₹6.5 lakh crore have been brought into these areas. He stressed the need for improved education, healthcare, and skill development for tribal youth, along with efforts to reduce social inequality.



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