Bengaluru: KPCC president B K Hariprasad on Thursday urged tribal, nomadic and semi-nomadic communities to shed any sense of inferiority and live with dignity and self-respect, while taking pride in their art, culture and talent.
Speaking at the induction ceremony of the new president of the Congress’s Nomadic, Semi-Nomadic and Denotified Tribes Wing, Hariprasad said the community’s cultural traditions and skills should be showcased not only across India but also on international platforms.
Hariprasad paid floral tributes to tribal leader Birsa Munda, social reformer Dr B R Ambedkar and former Karnataka chief minister Devaraj Urs.
Describing Munda as a towering Adivasi leader, Hariprasad said he had fought against British rule and, despite dying at the age of 30, continued to command immense respect among Adivasi communities, particularly in Jharkhand.
He said Adivasis, tribal communities and Dalits were indigenous communities and argued that they should have an equal share in the country’s leadership and resources. The ideals of the freedom movement — equal rights, equal opportunities and an equal share — have not yet been fully realised, he said.
According to Hariprasad, while political independence was achieved, the struggle for social and economic freedom continues. He called upon tribal and nomadic communities to become self-reliant and assert their rights.
Hariprasad also highlighted the importance of voting, saying the right exercised once every five years could become a powerful tool for the community.
He urged voters not to be influenced by money or liquor, but to elect governments that prioritise education, healthcare and social justice.
Citing President Droupadi Murmu as an example, he said tribal communities had demonstrated their potential and should not consider themselves politically insignificant.
He also referred to the Forest Rights Act and Food Security Act as measures that have strengthened the rights of vulnerable sections.
Hariprasad congratulated Ellappa, who assumed charge as president of the Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities Wing, and said the Congress would remain open to supporting the community.