I had never visited Anand Dham Ashram at Bakkarwala in Delhi so when I got invited as a speaker at the tribal youth exchange program there, I was excited. The atmosphere was calm and serene and reverberated with a spirit of aspiration, courage and unity. Over hundred tribal youth from the states of Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh, supported by 20 officers from BSF, CRPF, and ITBP, had gathered there under the banner of the 17th Tribal Youth Exchange Programme (TYEP), organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MoYAS) for the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). It was program to empower the tribal youth by exposure to democratic institutions and cultural exchange so as to promote national integration and strengthen leadership.
I had the privilege of interacting with this bubbly group whose energy was nothing short of extraordinary. Their faces reflected ambition, courage, and a quiet determination to shape a better tomorrow.
The first thoughts which I shared with them was that, “You are not behind anyone. You are capable of reaching the highest peaks of success.” We discussed the legacy and identity of about ten crore strong tribal community which is about 8.6% of India’s population. This was not just some demographic data but a reflection of heritage, resilience, creativity and cultural wisdom.of the tribals.
Examples of tribal icons who rose to greatness despite adversity came forth. These included Birsa Munda ,the symbol of youth-led revolution against the mighty British, Jaipal Singh Munda, an astute leader, Oxford scholar and Hockey champion, Mary Kom , the World champion boxer and our Hon’ble Smt. Droupadi Murmu, the First Tribal Woman President of India
“If they could rise to greatness despite obstacles, why not you?” I asked them.
The remarkable growth in tribal literacy from 8% in 1961 to nearly 72% today, maybe a powerful testament to progress. However attitude towards reading and writing was more important than such percentage. Real stories of tribal youth cracking NEET, joining IAS, and serving in the armed forces proved that, “Education changes everything, income, opportunities, confidence and generations.”
Also skill is the new currency, with several opportunities in tourism, logistics, nursing, mechanical work, food processing, bamboo products, forest-based livelihoods, honey production, eco-tourism, and digital entrepreneurship.
Traditional knowledge and natural resources, when combined with innovation, could unlock tremendous economic potential.
Quoting research that 85% of people fail due to lack of confidence, not lack of ability, I urged them to rise beyond fear and hesitation:
“You are allowed to fall but you are not allowed to stay down.”
We also spoke about discipline, healthy lifestyle choices, and digital mindfulness.
The first thoughts which I shared with them was that, “You are not behind anyone. You are capable of reaching the highest peaks of success.” We discussed the legacy and identity of about ten crore strong tribal community which is about 8.6% of India’s population. This was not just some demographic data but a reflection of heritage, resilience, creativity and cultural wisdom.of the tribals.
Examples of tribal icons who rose to greatness despite adversity came forth. These included Birsa Munda ,the symbol of youth-led revolution against the mighty British, Jaipal Singh Munda, an astute leader, Oxford scholar and Hockey champion, Mary Kom , the World champion boxer and our Hon’ble Smt. Droupadi Murmu, the First Tribal Woman President of India
“If they could rise to greatness despite obstacles, why not you?” I asked them.
The remarkable growth in tribal literacy from 8% in 1961 to nearly 72% today, maybe a powerful testament to progress. However attitude towards reading and writing was more important than such percentage. Real stories of tribal youth cracking NEET, joining IAS, and serving in the armed forces proved that, “Education changes everything, income, opportunities, confidence and generations.”
Also skill is the new currency, with several opportunities in tourism, logistics, nursing, mechanical work, food processing, bamboo products, forest-based livelihoods, honey production, eco-tourism, and digital entrepreneurship.
Traditional knowledge and natural resources, when combined with innovation, could unlock tremendous economic potential.
Quoting research that 85% of people fail due to lack of confidence, not lack of ability, I urged them to rise beyond fear and hesitation:
“You are allowed to fall but you are not allowed to stay down.”
We also spoke about discipline, healthy lifestyle choices, and digital mindfulness.
Today, a smartphone can be a library, a classroom, and a mentor if used wisely. Addiction, whether to substances or screens, destroys futures, but good habits build them.
The conversation also honoured the dignity and respect that women traditionally hold in tribal communities. I urged continued commitment to education, sports, leadership, and financial independence for women:
“A girl with education uplifts three generations.”
The hall united with patriotic fervor as we remembered Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Rajguru, Ramprasad Bismil and countless young revolutionaries whose courage changed the destiny of India. They realised that nation-building is not just a slogan but a big responsibility.
I also spoke about how deeply my tenure as Sub Divisional Officer in Jawhar from Maharashtra increased my understanding of tribal culture and service. Living and working in a tribal subdivision taught me far more than what any classroom could have.
I shared how families would struggle over land rights simply because they did not know their legal entitlements. Those experiences revealed that,“Information holds power” and that is why it was important to seek information and learn from it so that the voice of awareness could spread in every household and village.
The conversation also honoured the dignity and respect that women traditionally hold in tribal communities. I urged continued commitment to education, sports, leadership, and financial independence for women:
“A girl with education uplifts three generations.”
The hall united with patriotic fervor as we remembered Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Rajguru, Ramprasad Bismil and countless young revolutionaries whose courage changed the destiny of India. They realised that nation-building is not just a slogan but a big responsibility.
I also spoke about how deeply my tenure as Sub Divisional Officer in Jawhar from Maharashtra increased my understanding of tribal culture and service. Living and working in a tribal subdivision taught me far more than what any classroom could have.
I shared how families would struggle over land rights simply because they did not know their legal entitlements. Those experiences revealed that,“Information holds power” and that is why it was important to seek information and learn from it so that the voice of awareness could spread in every household and village.
The opportunities where tribal youth can contribute meaningfully to development were also highlighted. Schemes like NRLM enabled self-employment & entrepreneurship through Self Help Groups & local enterprises along with branding unique tribal products, Jal Jeevan Mission improves rural water infrastructure, Samagra Shiksha strengthens education and Khadi Village Industries Commission supported traditional crafts & local industry.
So without limiting their dreams they could explore public service, governance, innovation and leadership. Their identity is not a barrier but their greatest strength. The nation needs them, their culture, values and leadership. So wherever they went they must remember their parents, community, nation, values and purpose.”
The programme ended with warm conversations, photographs, and heartfelt exchanges. The participants left with a shared promise:“I will rise and I will lift others with me.”
The Tribal Youth Exchange Programme did more than bring young people together
it ignited ambition, strengthened identity, and awakened leadership.
And as they return to their villages carrying confidence, knowledge, and purpose, they carry the future of India with them.
So without limiting their dreams they could explore public service, governance, innovation and leadership. Their identity is not a barrier but their greatest strength. The nation needs them, their culture, values and leadership. So wherever they went they must remember their parents, community, nation, values and purpose.”
The programme ended with warm conversations, photographs, and heartfelt exchanges. The participants left with a shared promise:“I will rise and I will lift others with me.”
The Tribal Youth Exchange Programme did more than bring young people together
it ignited ambition, strengthened identity, and awakened leadership.
And as they return to their villages carrying confidence, knowledge, and purpose, they carry the future of India with them.
R.Vimala, IAS,
Resident Commissioner, Maharashtra &
PhD Scholar at IIT Bombay
