President calls for tribal empowerment through rights, participation, technology

New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu met a group of eminent tribal leaders from across India at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday under the Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan, an initiative of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. This marked the concluding meeting of the current phase of the series.

‘Not just beneficiaries, but co-creators of future’

Addressing the gathering, the President said the Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan is a transformational effort for dialogue, cooperation, and inclusive development. She stressed that tribal communities should not be viewed merely as beneficiaries of schemes, but as active co-creators of the nation’s future.

One lakh villages, 20 lakh volunteers mobilized

Murmu noted that since the campaign’s launch in July, it has mobilized 20 lakh Adi-Karmayogis—including officials, volunteers, women from self-help groups, and tribal youth—across one lakh villages. She added that one lakh Adi Seva Kendras have been identified as single-window service and grievance redressal hubs, while the Dharti Aba Janjati Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan is delivering essential infrastructure to over 63,000 tribal-dominated villages.

Empowerment rooted in rights, not schemes alone

Highlighting the importance of rights-based development, the President said the Forest Rights Act has been instrumental in ensuring social justice, equality, and environmental protection. However, she emphasized that true empowerment comes from the recognition and respect of tribal rights, coupled with greater representation and accountability.

Technology and cultural preservation must go hand in hand

Murmu urged tribal communities to actively engage in decision-making while preserving their culture and traditions. She stressed the importance of leveraging technology to connect tribal societies with the mainstream without compromising their distinct identities.

AI tool ‘Adi Vaani’ launched for tribal languages

The President welcomed the launch of Adi Vaani, an AI-based translation tool for tribal languages, calling it a milestone in language preservation and education transformation. The tool, launched in September 2025, is the world’s first AI-powered indigenous language bridge, designed for cultural preservation and social inclusion.

Event highlights

A film on the Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan was screened during the meeting. Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram and Minister of State Durgadas Uikey were present alongside the tribal delegation.