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MENDHAR : Minister for Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmad Rana on Saturday called upon the tribal youth to wholeheartedly embrace modern education while remaining deeply connected to their rich cultural identity.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining a harmonious balance between progress and tradition, urging young people to take pride in their heritage and to empower themselves without losing sight of their ancestral wisdom and values.
The Minister was addressing a gathering during Janjatiya Gaurav Divas 2025 celebrations at the OP Hill Stadium, Mendhar organised by District Administration Poonch, in collaboration with the Department of Tribal Affairs.
The event, presided over by the Minister, witnessed enthusiastic participation from members of local tribal communities, cultural practitioners, students and officials from various government departments.
In his address, the Minister commended local tribal artists, artisans, performers, and community activists for their invaluable contributions in preserving traditional art forms and promoting the welfare of tribal communities.
He highlighted the pivotal role played by cultural custodians in safeguarding tribal heritage and reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting such initiatives alongside contemporary developmental efforts.
Rana further called for systematic documentation and preservation of tribal history, culture, language, and art, stressing that such efforts are essential to strengthening tribal identity.
He noted that integrated cultural and developmental interventions are crucial for ensuring the holistic progress and socio-economic upliftment of tribal communities across Jammu and Kashmir.
Reaffirming the government’s resolve, the Minister stated, “Omar Abdullah–led government is fully committed to the well-being and comprehensive development of the tribal population spread across Jammu and Kashmir.”
He also highlighted the Government of India’s renewed focus on tribal welfare and underlined the need for coordinated, mission-mode implementation of welfare initiatives to maximize their impact at the grassroots level.
Applauding the District Administration’s Responsive Governance Programme, the Minister said that the initiative provides tribal workers and government officials with essential tools, training, and knowledge required to deliver effective, people-centric governance.
Highlighting recent government interventions, Rana informed the gathering that special attention has been devoted to upgrading tribal hostels to provide safe, well-equipped, and conducive learning environments for tribal students.
He noted that the deployment of mobile medical units and the operationalization of Van Dhan Kendras have been prioritized to ensure last-mile service delivery and livelihood enhancement for tribal families.
On the occasion, the Minister also inspected a special exhibition showcasing traditional tribal arts, crafts, household artifacts, and historical narratives celebrating the contributions of tribal heroes.
A vibrant cultural programme was presented by local artists, reflecting the rich cultural diversity and heritage of the tribal communities of the region.
Citing the tragic incident at Nowgam Police Station, Rana brought the event to an early close as a mark of solemn respect.
Expressing deep sorrow, he affirmed that the Jammu and Kashmir Government stands firmly with the bereaved families in this hour of immense grief.
He said that the sacrifice of the departed will forever be remembered with respect, gratitude, and compassion.
Secretary Tribal Affairs, Prasanna Ramaswamy G, also addressed the gathering and highlighted the wide range of initiatives undertaken by the Tribal Affairs Department to accelerate the development and empowerment of tribal communities across Jammu and Kashmir.
