International Day of World’s Indigenous Peoples Day – August 9 – Vishav Adivasi Diwas

 

International Day of World’s Indigenous Peoples Day – August 9 –  Vishav Adivasi Diwas

August 9, was the International Day of World’s Indigenous Peoples Day commonly called International Adivasi Day in India. The day is observed and celebrated throughout the world under the aegis of UN since 1994-95 Obviously, India cannot remain behind in this lofty activity as India has a large population of Adivasies, who are also called Moolnivasies, of

104 million which comes to around 9 % of the total population of India.  The constitution of India recognized the Adivasies as Scheduled Tribes and made all the necessary provisions to protect and safeguard their identity and rights in the diverse social order of India. It is a matter of great satisfaction that the Scheduled Tribes have come a long way in getting integrated with the socio-cultural and politico-economic life the country with the affirmative actions stipulated by the laws of the land. As such, currently, the first citizen of India that is Mahamahim, President of India, Droupadi Murmu is an Adivasi herself along with a couple of Chief Ministers of the Indian States.

Rail Coach Factory at Kapurthala in Punjab, an enterprise of the Ministry of Railways, celebrated the Day on August 11 at the sprawling complex of the RCF. It fell on me to be the Chief Speaker at a well hosted function by the Zonal Chapter of All India SC/ST Railway Employees Organisation, courtesy Jit
Singh, a senior executive at the RCF and his colleagues and associates. GM of RCF, S.S. Mishra was the Chief Guest of the function held at the prestigious hall of the RCF, Waris Shah Auditorium, a site in the lush green trees and fully manicured lawns as a flag bearer of the Adivasi’s lofty way of life conforming to the nature and its respect – Jal, Jungle, Jamin. I was told that more than 600 ST employees of the RCF along with their families life in the RCF Township. The cultural programme presented by them really gave a glimpse of the

rich tribal tradition particularly of Jharkhand and Rajasthan. The song and dance sequences presented by the men and women ensembles attired in colourful costumes were soothing not only to the eyes and ears but also the soul. It reminded me of my days in East Africa – The song and dance is in the blood of tribal people. I was personally touched by the traditional tribal welcome accorded to me and the Chief Guest Mishra Sahib amidst the beats of Dhol, honour with traditional Jharkhandi Gamshas and Rajasthani Safaas. Chief Guest Mishra Sahib spoke briefly and expressing happiness to join the function to observe an important Day at the RCF. He duly recognized the positive role of All India SC and ST Railway Employees

Organisation in the functioning and success of RCF. My informal interaction with the hosts, Jit Singh, Ranjit Singh among others gave a constructive and pleasant feedback about the ability and helping approach of GM Mishra Sahib particularly with regard to his always positive respons in listening to his juniors and the supporting staff. As a disciplined diplomat, I went prepared to speak on the occasion, as expected. But the friendly and informal scenario at the function motivated me to deviate from the Talking Notes of my speech. While appreciating the cultural inputs of the local talent, I shared a poetic assertion of Allma Iqbal –

Kuch Baat Hai Ki Hasti Mitti Nahin Hamari

Sadion Raha Hai Dushman Daure Jahan Hamra

I attach herewith as an appendix my Speaking Notes for perusal of my discerning readers. In some of my off the cuff remarks, I said that the tribal icon, Birsa Munda was a hero of the national struggle for freedom and not only a champion of

nature and environment. While recognizing the good and positive role of Mahatma Gandhi and the current agenda of Samrasta of RSS with regard to integrate dalits with the mainstream of the society, I added that more was needed to be done shedding the restraints and constraints of Manuwadi Varan Vivasta and recited yet another Urdu couplet –

Masjid To Baba Di Sab Bhar Mein; Imaan Ki Hararat Walon Ne

Dil Apna Purana Papi Hai Barson Se Namazi Ho Na Saka.

All said and done, it was a wonderful evening which I thoroughly enjoyed in good company and excellent hospitality – home cooked tribal dishes for a good dinner.

With a view to give an over-view of RCF, I quote here some excerpts from the website of RCF for the benefit of my readers -

“RCF is a coach manufacturing unit of Indian Railways established in 1985. The factory is located at a distance of 7 kms. from the historical city of Kapurthala. The integrated township is very well planned and boasts of lush green surroundings. It is considered one of the best residential complexes in the country. RCF is a self-contained unit with its own shopping complex, six schools, banks with ATM facilities and a 76 bedded hospital. Apart from this RCF colony has a beautiful lake complex, a large sports stadium, an 18-hole golf course, Cricket Stadium, synthetic lawn-tennis courts, Astroturf Hockey Stadium, international size swimming pool, skating rink and other sports facilities. RCF has already carved a niche in the industrial scenario of the country at large and Indian Railways, in particular. After turning out its first coach in March 1988, RCF has moved on to become the largest and most modern coach manufacturing unit of Indian Railways. At present more than 46,000 RCF built coaches are traversing the length and breadth of our nation. Every year RCF is adding more than 1500 coaches to this fleet, which includes AC and Non-AC coaches for Broad Gauge. RCF is equipped with a state-of-the art CAD center and CNC machines to undertake design and manufacture of bogies, shells, FRP interiors as per customer requirement.”

On my reporting back to my family, my children and grandchildren were much impressed and wished to visit RCF as a study tour and sightseeing in the coming weeks. I would avail of the generosity of GM Mishra Sahib and others in this regard, in due course.

Appendix –

 International Day of the Word Indigenous People – August 9

·      Thanks - GM of RCF S.S. Mishra, Organizers and hosts – Engineer Jit Singh and others

·      Today we are gathered here to observe and celebrate an important slot on the calendar of the UN and the world at large – International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples.

·      It is observed to raise awareness and protect the rights of the world's indigenous population. This event also recognizes the achievements and contributions that indigenous people make to improve world issues such as environmental protection.

·      December 23rd, 1994 was the day when United Nations General Assembly decided, in its resolution that the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People shall be observed on 9 August every year.

·      The theme for World Indigenous Day 2025 is "Indigenous Peoples and AI: Defending Rights, Shaping Futures." This theme highlights the critical need to ensure Indigenous Peoples' rights are protected through the emerging scientific and technological tools like the Artificial Technology.

·      We need indigenous communities for a better world.

·      There are an estimated 476 million Indigenous Peoples in the world living across 90 countries. They make up less than 6 per cent of the world's population, but account for at least 15 per cent of the poorest.

·      The international community now recognizes that special measures are required to protect their rights and maintain their distinct cultures and way of life.

·      Indigenous Peoples in India - In India, there are 705 ethnic groups officially recognized as "Scheduled Tribes". In central India, the Scheduled Tribes are usually referred to as Adivasis, which literally means Indigenous Peoples. India has several laws and constitutional provisions, such as the Fifth Schedule for Central India and the Sixth List for certain areas of northeastern India that recognize the rights of Indigenous Peoples to land and self-government, but their implementation is far from being satisfactory. Indigenous Peoples in India comprise an estimated population of 104 million or 8.6% of the national population.

·      The largest concentrations of Indigenous Peoples are found in the seven northeastern states of India, and the so-called "central tribal belt" that stretches from Rajasthan to West Bengal.

·      We are yet to give due space and weightage to Adivasis and Moolnivasis – in spite of the fact that the first citizen of India, President Droupdi Murmu is an Adivasi herself. Many tribal young men and women excelled in sports and other disciplines.

·      India’s rich cultural diversity is largely shaped by its tribal communities, who have played a crucial role in the nation’s history and development. Every year on November 15th, Janjatiya Gaurav Divas is celebrated to honor the contributions of these communities, especially in India’s freedom struggle. The day marks the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, a tribal leader and freedom fighter.

·       Several prominent tribal leaders played crucial roles in India's freedom struggle against British rule. Birsa Munda, Rani Gaidinliu, Alluri Sitarama Raju, and Sidhu & Kanhu Murmu are among the most well-known figures who led movements to protect tribal rights and land, and to resist colonial oppression. 

·      Several Indian poets have focused on Adivasi (Indigenous) and Mulnivasi (original inhabitants) communities and their culture. Mahadev Toppo, Maroona Murmu, and Jacinta Kerketta are prominent examples. 

·      Main challenges for Indigenous groups in India - While India doesn't have a specific "Indigenous Day" like some other countries, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's work is deeply relevant to the rights and empowerment of Scheduled Tribes (STs). Ambedkar advocated for the social, economic, and political upliftment of STs, ensuring they were included in the constitutional framework and protected from discrimination. 

·      Ambedkar's Contributions to ST Empowerment - Constitutional Safeguards -Legal Protection -Affirmative Action -Awareness and Advocacy - Indigenous Recognition

·      Mahatma Gandhi's views on indigenous peoples, particularly in India, were complex. He saw them as integral to India, "the original inhabitants of the land". However, his approach focused on integrating them into the broader society, sometimes through the "Varna Ashram" system, which has been criticized for potentially undermining their unique cultures. 

·      Role of RSS and other organizations – Conversation to Christianity. Communal scenario in North East, Manipur etc.

·      According to Justice Markandey Katju - Who were the original inhabitants of India? At one time it was believed that the Dravidians were the original inhabitants. However, this view has been considerably modified subsequently, and now the generally accepted belief is that the original inhabitants of India were the pre-Dravidian aborigines i.e. the ancestors of the present tribals or adivasis (Scheduled Tribes).

·      As the great Urdu poet Firaq Gorakhpuri wrote:

“Sar zamin-e-hind par aqwaam-e-alam ke firaq
Kafile guzarte gae Hindustan banta gaya”

 

 “In the land of Hind, the caravans of the peoples of the world kept coming in and India kept getting formed”.

 

Thanks once again.