President Droupadi Murmu is set to grace a significant interstate cultural gathering in Jharkhand later this month, highlighting the government's focus on preserving indigenous arts. The President will attend the valedictory session of the "Antar-Rajiye Jansanskritik Samagam Mahotsav - Kartik Jatra" in Manjhatoli, Gumla district, on December 30.
A Confluence of Tribal Art and Culture
The two-day festival is a vibrant assembly of artists from the neighboring states of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha. It aims to showcase and celebrate the rich, diverse cultural tapestry of the region's tribal and non-tribal communities. The event is being organized under the aegis of the Pankhraj Saheb Kartik Oraon Adivasi Shakti - Swayatshasi Vishwavidyalaya Nirmal Samiti (PSKO ASSVNS).
According to Shiv Shankar Oraon, former Gumla MLA and chief convenor of PSKO ASSVNS, the festival expects participation from a staggering over 1,000 cultural groups from the three states. "The core objective is to preserve, enrich, and strengthen the socio-cultural fabric of both tribal and non-tribal communities," Oraon stated, emphasizing the event's unifying mission.
High-Profile Guest List for Grand Finale
The closing ceremony will witness a notable gathering of dignitaries alongside President Murmu. The guest list includes Jharkhand Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar and Chhattisgarh Governor Ramen Dekha.
Furthermore, the event will be attended by Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sao, and Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram. Their collective presence underscores the political and administrative importance accorded to tribal culture and interstate harmony.
Significance and Expected Impact
This festival represents more than just a cultural display; it is a strategic effort to foster cross-state cultural exchange and provide a national platform for local artists. By bringing together performers from three states with significant tribal populations, the event promotes mutual understanding and showcases the unique heritage of the region to a wider audience.
The choice of Gumla district as the venue highlights its role as a cultural hub in eastern India. The participation of the country's President, who herself hails from a tribal community, adds profound symbolic weight to the initiative, potentially boosting local morale and drawing greater attention to tribal arts and their preservation.
