Bhubaneswar, August 9: The Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has strongly criticised the Mohan Charan Majhi-led Odisha government for failing to observe World Tribal Day, officially recognised as the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples.
Marking the occasion in its own way, the BJD organised a special programme at its state party headquarters in Bhubaneswar to honour the cultural heritage, rights, and contributions of tribal communities in Odisha. Senior party leaders, tribal representatives, and supporters participated in the event, highlighting the need for continued government focus on tribal welfare and preservation of indigenous traditions.
Speaking on the occasion, BJD leaders alleged that the State government’s inaction reflected its lack of commitment towards the rights and recognition of Odisha’s tribal population, which constitutes a significant portion of the state’s demographic profile. They stressed that such observances are not just symbolic but also serve as reminders for policymakers to address pressing issues like land rights, education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities for indigenous communities.
World Tribal Day, celebrated globally on August 9 each year, was proclaimed by the United Nations in 1994 to promote and protect the rights of the world’s indigenous population. The day is also aimed at recognising the valuable contributions indigenous peoples make to the world’s cultural diversity and sustainable development.
