Responding to questions about reports of tribal communities turning towards other religions, Shah said the decision to adopt any faith “lies entirely with the person,” adding that the government’s focus is on welfare and cultural preservation, not interference in personal belief.
Shah used the occasion to highlight what he called “historic neglect” of tribal icons after Independence. He said leaders such as Bhagwan Birsa Munda, Rani Durgavati, Raja Shankar Shah and Kumar Raghunath Shah made immense sacrifices during the freedom movement but did not receive due national recognition for decades. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for instituting Birsa Munda Jayanti as Tribal Pride Day across the country.
The minister also spoke about achievements within tribal communities, citing the success of cricketer Kranti Gaur and international archer Ragini Marko. He noted that coarse grains once associated primarily with tribal households—such as Kodo and Kutki—have now found a national market, selling at significantly higher prices and bringing economic value to tribal farmers.
Shah outlined the plan for the upcoming celebrations in Jabalpur, which will showcase tribal culture and honour distinguished tribal achievers, including Padma Shri artists Bhajju Shyam and Arjun Singh Dhurve. Governor Mangubhai Patel, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, Deputy CM Jagdish Deora and Union Minister Durgadas Uikey are expected to attend. Prime Minister Modi will address the gathering virtually from Gujarat’s Narmada district.
The minister also faced questions about his past controversial remarks concerning Colonel Sophia Qureshi. His comments had drawn criticism from the High Court and the Supreme Court, leading to the registration of a case and an SIT probe. Shah did not elaborate further on the issue during the briefing.
