Vijayawada: Former Vice President of India,
Stated that there is a strong market demand for products made by tribal and Adivasi communities, and encouraged them to seize these opportunities and excel in the business sector. He was speaking as the Chief Guest at the Tribal–Adivasi Convention organized by the Tribal People's Association and Tribal Students' Association at Tummalapalli Kalakshetram in Vijayawada on Sunday.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Venkaiah Naidu said:
“Adivasis in India possess unique traditional craftsmanship and skills. Therefore, it is essential to encourage their natural talents, promote their products, and improve their sources of income. By adapting tribal and Adivasi products to meet modern market needs, their value and market potential can be significantly enhanced.Tribal communities should add commercial value to their natural skills in various products and handicrafts. They need to focus on e-commerce and digital business platforms. Their eco-friendly products deserve wider recognition in society. At a time when there is immense demand for organic foods and natural products, tribal communities can generate employment for many others by focusing on entrepreneurship rather than solely seeking jobs.Tribal youth, in particular, should embrace technology and connect their products with global markets. To achieve this, tribal and Adivasi communities must unite. Governments are currently providing numerous opportunities for Scheduled Tribes (STs). They should make full use of these opportunities to progress in life. Tribal brothers and sisters must realize that if they take one step forward, governments are ready to take a hundred steps forward to support them.”Shri Venkaiah Naidu further said that he has a special affection and respect for Adivasis. He praised their commitment not only to sustaining their own lives but also to protecting nature, describing their culture as noble and inspiring.“Their way of life, rooted in love for parents, care for animals, and harmony with nature, is exemplary. Their deep affection for their mother, mother tongue, and motherland is truly unique. They played a valuable role in India's freedom struggle.Adivasis constitute about 8% of India’s population—nearly 100 million people. Their development is a vital component of the national goal of inclusive growth (Sabka Vikas).”
Speaking about tribal development, he added:
“Although there are many challenges related to tribal development, the Central Government is following a special approach in this regard. The identity of a community is closely linked to its culture. We cannot allow development models used elsewhere to be imposed on tribal communities in ways that destroy their unique identity. If that happens, it would be an irreparable loss not only to tribal communities but to humanity as a whole.True progress lies in promoting their social development while simultaneously preserving their cultural traditions. Many people living in cities assume that tribals have much to learn about development. In reality, urban society has much to learn from tribal communities. The word ‘Adivasi’ means original inhabitants. Their lives reflect the eternal values of truth, morality, simplicity, and harmony with nature. Their continued adherence to traditional ways of life and simple living is one of their greatest strengths.”During the event, Shri Vaditya Shankar Naik, Member of the Andhra Pradesh State ST Commission, along with other dignitaries, also addressed the gathering.
• On the occasion of the 135th birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, a fruit distribution program was organized by Sankar Shalini Foundation at the tribal colony in Apur Village, Pedapadu Mandal, Eluru District.
• A large number of tribal community members participated in the event and made it a grand success. The service activity was conducted in remembrance of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the great leader who championed the values of equality, social justice, and the importance of education in society.
• The President of Sankar Shalini Foundation, Shri Vadithya Sankar Naik, along with his wife and Foundation Vice President Smt. Shalini, visited the tribal colony with their family members and distributed fruits to the residents. The tribal community expressed their gratitude and appreciation for their service-oriented efforts.
• Speaking on the occasion, Foundation President Shri Sankar Naik stated that Sankar Shalini Foundation is continuously working for the welfare and development of tribal communities and will continue to undertake similar service activities in the future.
• The program was attended by Shri Sameer Naik, Krishna District President of the Tribal People's Association; Shri Venkateswara Naik, Vice President; Shri Islavath Hanumanthu Naik, State Youth President; Shri Apuri Rangarao; Shri Venkata Rao; and several other dignitaries.
• The event stood as an example of social service and fostered a sense of unity, happiness, and community spirit among the tribal people.
The birthday celebrations of Shri Vadithya Sankar Naik, Former Member of the Andhra Pradesh State ST Commission and Founding National President of the Tribal People's Association, were held with great enthusiasm today at the Botukulapaya Chenchu Tribal Hamlet in Veldurthi Mandal, Palnadu District, in the presence of hundreds of tribal community members.Speaking on the occasion, Shri Vadithya Sankar Naik called upon all tribal communities across the state to unite beyond political affiliations for the protection and achievement of tribal rights. He emphasized that every tribal individual should come together and prepare for a large-scale movement to secure political reservations, particularly for tribal communities living in the plains regions, including Palnadu District. He stated that unity is the greatest strength in the struggle for tribal rights and welfare.
As part of the birthday celebrations, the Sankar Shalini Foundation organized the distribution of sarees to hundreds of tribal women and conducted a large-scale community meal (Annadanam) for the villagers. The service activities were warmly welcomed and appreciated by the tribal community and local residents.The event was further enriched by traditional Chenchu tribal dance performances presented by tribal women, who extended a grand welcome to Shri Vadithya Sankar Naik. Their cultural performances became a major attraction of the celebrations.
The program witnessed the participation of tribal elders from various constituencies, along with leaders and activists of the Tribal People's Association from the state, district, constituency, mandal, and village levels. Hundreds of tribal people attended the event in large numbers.Among those present were Mandli Mallu Swamy, Islavath Hanumanthu Naik, Ramanjaneyulu, Nunsavath Ranganayak, journalist Korabandi Ravindra, Ravi, Jarapala Krishna Naik, Sardar Naik, Seenu Naik, Nagulu Naik, and several other prominent personalities who contributed to the success of the program.Several tribal leaders and community members extended their heartfelt birthday wishes to Shri Vadithya Sankar Naik and praised his dedication towards tribal welfare, protection of tribal rights, and continued commitment to social service activities.