THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, FEBRUARY 5, 2026

 “The Adivasi Mela is not just a marketplace, it is a living expression of our commitment to preserve tribal culture, identity and human values while ensuring economic empowerment,” said Odisha Minister for ST&SC Development, Minorities and Backward Classes Welfare, Nityananda Gond, while addressing the valedictory ceremony of the State-Level Adivasi Mela 2026 in Bhubaneswar on Thursday.

Concluding after an eventful 11-day run at the Adivasi Mela Ground, Unit-I, the mega cultural and commercial event recorded remarkable success, attracting over 10 lakh visitors and generating business exceeding ₹4.22 crore.

The Minister highlighted that the overwhelming public response reaffirmed the relevance of the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s “Vocal for Local” vision, as the mela provided a strong platform for tribal products, traditional huts or kudias, and indigenous craftsmanship.

Emphasising the State Government’s commitment to inclusive tribal development in coordination with the Central Government, the Minister said development must go beyond economic indicators to include the protection of tribal languages, culture and traditions. He appreciated the quality and uniqueness of tribal products on display and reiterated that safeguarding tribal heritage remains a core priority of the government.

Highlighting key welfare initiatives, the Minister informed that Eklavya Model Residential Schools have been established across Odisha to ensure quality education for tribal students. He also spoke about enhanced scholarships and incentives aimed at reducing dropout rates, along with the steady progress of flagship schemes such as PM JANMAN, Janajatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, Mukhyamantri Janajati Jibika Mission, Pradhan Mantri Janajatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan and the PM PVTG Development Mission. He said the government is prioritising housing, road connectivity, healthcare, education, electrification and economic empowerment of tribal communities through sustained and coordinated efforts with the Centre.

The Minister lauded the relentless efforts of officers and staff of the department, stating that under the leadership of the Commissioner-cum-Secretary and with effective coordination by the ATLC Member Secretary and officials, the successful organisation of the state-level mela was made possible.

Addressing the gathering, Additional Secretary Surendra Kumar Meena underlined the need to integrate tribal communities into the mainstream in today’s competitive world. He described the Adivasi Mela as not only a celebration of rich tribal heritage but also a vital platform for market linkage, livelihood support and sustainable income generation for tribal artisans and entrepreneurs.

Several senior officials were present on the occasion, including B. Parameswaran, Commissioner-cum-Secretary; Laxman Ku Mallik, Director, SC; Premjit Nayak, Director, ST; Surendra Ku Meena, Additional Secretary; Debendra Nanda, Additional Secretary; Banita Dash, FA-cum-Special Secretary; Sujata Mishra, Special Secretary; and Sudhakar Sabar, Director, SCSTRTI and ATLC Member Secretary, along with other senior officers associated with tribal development initiatives.

During the valedictory evening, the research journal Banaja was released and the annual souvenir Pahacha 2026 of the SC & ST Development Department Cultural Council was unveiled by the chief guest. Ten successful tribal farmers and skilled artisans were felicitated for their achievements. Awards were also presented to the best traditional tribal huts — Kutia Kandha Ghar, Juang Mand Ghar and Pahadia Kharia Ghar — and to three tribal micro-enterprises, Sunayana SHG, Sukanya SHG and Mahalaxmi Women’s Savings Committee.

Organised by the Academy of Tribal Language and Culture, Bhubaneswar, under the patronage of the STSC Development, Minorities and Backward Classes Welfare Department, the Adivasi Mela featured tribal villages, haats, art and craft exhibitions, food courts, a special stall on the upcoming census and a stall by the District Legal Services Authority, offering visitors a vibrant and immersive experience of Odisha’s diverse tribal heritage.