Adivasi word is derived from Sanskrit language; meaning “Earlier Inhabitants”, we call them as “Janjati”. Today, More than 8 percent Janjati population is spread across nation. No other community in the world is as close as to nature as Janjatis are. (Tribal community) They nurture, protect and worship the nature. They follow Sanatan Dharma to the core of their heart by following all the practices of Sanatan dharma to nurture and protect forests.
There were several Janjatis in the Indian Independence movement including Birsa Munda, Dharindhar Bhyuan, Laxman Naik, Jantya Bhil, Bangaru Devi and Rehma Vasave, Mangri Oroan.
Late Shri Birsa Munda , a Scholar, a great freedom fighter and a religious leader had a great role in fight against britishers. He united thousands of Janjati people in tribal areas to fight against Britishers and exploitation of poor tribals. He also opposed the Christian conversion missionaries who were exploiting tribals to convert to Christianity. Birsa Munda conveyed his followers to follow our own religious path and not to become victim of missionaries. Missionaries converted even him during his school days; later on, he ceased Christianity and returned to Hindu dharma. Even today, in many areas tribal people are misled and being converted to Christianity.
The people from tribal areas are being misled that they are not “Hindus”. It is very well proved from the scientific research and facts that the ancestors were same. Then what is the purpose of fake narrative and how will it help tribal? Another point is, do the practices followed by tribal community exactly match with Sanatan Dharma practices? YES, 100%, then why to poison their minds?
Sanatan Dharma respects every religion and do not believe in conversion. Is it a right practice to convert people by poisoning the minds against Sanatan Dharma? Is it not affecting the social fabric and equanimity?
Our constitution has given right to every citizen to convert to any religion if believes so. However few organizations and political parties are creating confusion and hatred against Sanatan Dharma to get people converted.
Many organisations are working for the welfare of tribal community without any wrong intent. One of which is “Akhil Bharatiya Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram”, Arm of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram works for the welfare of Janjatis through various service projects on Pan India basis. Out of 397 tribal districts, 338 districts with various activities to uplift tribal people are covered. Work in 52323 villages is carried out to make positive change in their life, more villages will be added in future. Apart from development work, local culture is also encouraged and promoted. Therefore, the objective of Vanavasi Kalyan Ashram is to work for overall development of each tribal brother and sister. Various sports facilities are also developed at many places.
Few developmental activieties:
• Hostel facility: 191 hostels have been built for boys and 48 hostels for girls.
• Education Centres: 455 Formal education centres have been built as of now and 3478 non formal education centres are working across nation. More than 63000 beneficiaries are benefitted out of it.
• Agriculture development centres: 56 centres have been developed to improve the yield with better practices and lower cost.
• Skill development centres: Youths needs to be trained in different skills to make them self-reliant and to improve their living standards, 104 skill development centres established across nation.
• Self-help Groups: Self helps group to take care of local needs with mutual cooperation. 3348 groups created till date.
• Medical facilities: 16 hospitals built and 287 medical camps organised. 4277 village health workers working for the wellbeing of these people.
One of many success stories, Sohan Kumar, Scientist, was part of Chandrayaan II, was a student of Kalyan Ashram School.
The selfless work being carried out by volunteers of VKA just out of belongingness and respect for tribal community. VKA will continue to work for the benefits of community even though they are facing huge resistance from many organizations or political vendetta and vote bank politics.
We need to respect our brothers, sisters, and work for their betterment without fearing the organizations, which are trying to exploit them with wrong intent.