Lakhipur: Minister for Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs, Mines and Minerals, and Barak Valley Development Kaushik Rai told a packed gathering at Fulertal Multipurpose Hall that unity, dignity and inclusive growth are the strongest ways to honour Bhagwan Birsa Munda. Cachar marked Janajatiya Gaurav Diwas on Saturday, commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of the iconic tribal freedom fighter.

The programme, organised by the Cachar District Administration, drew tribal leaders, citizens, students, officials and young people from across Lakhipur. The Minister described Birsa Munda as a heroic figure whose fight for justice and self-respect continues to shape India’s development goals.

Rai linked the celebration to the state-wide Janajatiya Gaurav Pakhwada held from November 1 to 15. He praised the strong public response and the district administration’s outreach in tribal areas through health camps, financial literacy drives, Jan Sunwai hearings and cultural awareness programmes. He said these efforts reflect governance that listens, responds and includes.

The Minister highlighted several government schemes that have improved the lives of tribal families. He pointed to the opportunities created under PM Matsya Sampada Yojana for fisheries development, along with the support provided through MGNREGA, DAJGUA and 15th Finance Commission Grants to strengthen rural livelihoods and infrastructure. Social security programmes such as PMAY, Old Age Pension and Orunodoi 3.0, he noted, offer dignity and financial stability to vulnerable households.

Rai urged deeper participation of tribal communities in the digital and financial system through Jan Dhan Yojana and Digital India tools, saying secure digital payments open the door to more growth and opportunity.

The day began with a cleanliness drive in tribal localities under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. Fulertal Multipurpose Hall later turned into a lively cultural space with 14 tribal stalls showcasing handicrafts, artefacts, traditional food and local craftsmanship. Departmental stalls on fisheries, financial literacy and Aadhaar services also drew large crowds, with many inaugurated by the Minister.

A key moment of the event was the launch of the Tribal Parliament Model under the Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan, aimed at empowering grassroots leadership and ensuring faster and more accountable service delivery. The initiative was warmly welcomed by community members.

In his welcome address, Cachar Deputy Commissioner Mridul Yadav reaffirmed the district’s commitment to tribal welfare, cultural preservation and strengthening community institutions. He called the celebration an important step in improving last-mile governance and giving tribal communities a stronger voice in policymaking.

Minister Rai, the DC and senior officials offered floral tributes to Birsa Munda. Traditional sports, including bamboo standing events and indigenous games, along with vibrant cultural performances, added energy to the programme.

Those present included District Development Commissioner Norsing Bey ACS, Zilla Parishad CEO Pranab Kumar Bora ACS, Co-District Commissioner Lakhipur Dhruba Jyoti Pathak, Senior Development Officer Ruli Daulagupu, Biprajit Dutta, Lead District Manager Sailesh Singh, Sailesh Singh AE Binnakandi Development Block, Rajkumar Roy AEE Rajabazar Block, Saptajit Dey AEE Lakhipur Block, and Kishore Chakraborty BDO Lakhipur Block.

The event concluded with the felicitation of ten tribal achievers, sportspersons and contributors for their work in strengthening Cachar’s cultural identity and community development.

Promotional | North East Integration Rally