Khammam witnessed a vibrant celebration of World Indigenous Peoples Day at the Adivasi Girijan Bhavan in Bhadrachalam on Saturday. Local tribes gathered to emphasize the importance of preserving their culture, traditions, and self-reliance.
The event included cultural performances, a rally, and speeches by public representatives and tribal welfare officials. Bhadrachalam MLA Tellam Venkata Rao, the chief guest, highlighted the global significance of tribal communities in maintaining natural ecosystems and cultural diversity.
He praised indigenous groups for protecting forests, rivers, and wildlife while sustaining their traditions. The MLA remembered tribal freedom fighters like Alluri Sitarama Raju, Guntalu Dora, Mallu Dora, and Komaram Bheem. He noted that the United Nations declared August 9 as World Indigenous Peoples Day in 1982, recognizing indigenous rights worldwide.
The MLA urged for continued celebration of this day to protect and empower tribal communities. He outlined state government efforts through the ITDA (Integrated Tribal Development Agency), focusing on education, healthcare, agriculture, and nutrition. Tribal welfare hostels now provide enhanced diet charges, better cosmetics, and improved food.
He proudly shared that six tribal girls from Bhadrachalam secured medical seats this year, highlighting the potential of education. Healthcare access in remote tribal areas is improving with Community Health Centres (CHCs) in Cherla and Manuguru equipped with advanced medical facilities, including dialysis.
To support tribal farmers, the government promotes high-value crops like bamboo, moringa, and palm oil with subsidies. Aquaculture is encouraged for sustainable income. Skill development and small-scale industries are being set up for economic self-reliance among tribal youth.
Earlier, ITDA Project Officer B Rahul, Assistant Project Officer General David Raj, and tribal leaders honored martyrs who fought for tribal rights at the Ambedkar Junction. They hoisted the tribal flag and conducted a town rally.
Project Officer B Rahul reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tribal education, establishing ashram schools, gurukuls, and hostels in the region. He encouraged tribal youth to cherish their native languages like Koya and preserve traditional knowledge.
Recognizing his efforts in protecting tribal culture and education, various tribal associations honored PO B Rahul with shawls during the ceremony. The event concluded with vibrant tribal dance performances, celebrating the region’s rich heritage. The District Collector, Sub-Collector, and other officials recognized tribal leaders’ contributions to community development.
