No harm to tribal community from Uniform Civil Code: Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah urged the tribal community not to fear the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), stating that it would not harm them. While addressing the tribal cultural gathering named 'Tu-Main Ek Rakt, Vanvasi-Gramvasi-Nagarvasi, Hum Sab Bharatvasi' at the historic Ramleela Maidan, he mentioned that this gathering would be known as the 'Mahakumbh' of tribes for years to come.
He expressed that he had never seen God Birsa Munda in his life, but today he felt his presence among them. Shah emphasized that the framers of the Constitution granted every individual the right to live with self-respect in their original religion and that no one would be forced to change their religion through temptation. He called for taking an oath to protect their religion from the land of Delhi, which would keep them connected to their culture and country.
Shah welcomed all the brothers and sisters from the Bhil and Munda communities of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, the Gond and Kolam communities of Chhattisgarh, the Santhal and Uraon communities of Jharkhand and Odisha, the Bodo, Karbi, Dimasa, Khasi, Garo, and Chakma communities of the Northeast, and the Chenchu communities of Andhra Pradesh. He expressed deep gratitude to both organizations for giving him the opportunity to witness this wonderful event in his lifetime. He noted that this year marks the 150th anniversary of God Birsa Munda.
He stated that water, forests, and mountains are the sources of livelihood for their tribal brothers and serve as an impregnable fortress that protects their identity and culture. Shah remarked that if there is a sustainable model in the world today, it is the model created by our tribal communities, and they have come forward to protect it. All tribes have worked to realize the mantra of 'Unity in Diversity' without any written rules.
He recalled that thousands of years ago, in the Treta Yuga, Lord Ram made it clear by eating the leftover berries of Shabari that we are all one. He stated that today's gathering and the millions of tribal people present send a strong message to those who seek to divide. Shah mentioned that a conspiracy has begun regarding the UCC, claiming it would deprive tribal people of their culture, traditions, customs, and right to live.
As the Home Minister of the Narendra Modi government, he clarified that no restrictions of the UCC would be imposed on the tribal community or individuals. The UCC would not violate any tribal rights. He noted that the UCC has been implemented in two states where the Bharatiya Janata Party is in power, specifically Gujarat and Uttarakhand, with special provisions ensuring that all tribal communities are excluded from the UCC.
He urged everyone to return to their villages, mountains, and forests and inform all tribal communities that there is no need to fear the UCC. The organizers presented this event as a cultural expression of tribal identity and 'national unity,' with the slogan 'Tu Main Ek Rakt, Vanvasi-Gramvasi-Nagarvasi, Hum Sab Bharatvasi.' An official from JSM mentioned that participants were expected to come in traditional attire from various parts of the country, while volunteers in Delhi arranged housing, food, transportation, and medical facilities through 20 different committees. On the occasion of the 150th anniversary of God Birsa Munda, tribal communities from all corners of the country arrived in traditional attire and participated in a procession showcasing folk culture.
This gathering was organized by the Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which raised several sensitive issues. The most significant issue discussed was conversion. Participants from the tribal community expressed that some individuals continue to benefit from tribal reservations even after converting, leaving the original tribal society feeling cheated.
Additionally, issues such as fake Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates, encroachment on tribal lands, and so-called 'Love Jihad' and 'Land Jihad' were raised. The organizers stated that some foreign forces and missionary organizations are attempting to separate tribal people from their cultural identity.
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