Madhya Pradesh to conserve 1,800 tribal sacred sites
The Madhya Pradesh government, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party, has decided to protect 1,800 sacred sites for tribal communities. This decision comes after the government scrapped plans for a new corridor that would have featured statues and murals relating to Hindu gods and their connections to tribal people. Officials stated that the corridor plan could lead to "unnecessary controversy." Earlier, an advisor from the culture department suggested creating an "Adivasi Lok," similar to other cultural sites. This project aimed to highlight the interactions of Hindu gods like Lord Ram and Lord Krishna with tribal communities. However, the chief minister's office decided against this project after concerns arose about its impact on tribal sentiments. A senior official noted that in the past, significant cultural events like Ramayans and Pujas were held in tribal areas, which contributed to the rise of local parties in opposition to the BJP. The official explained that the government now recognizes the importance of tribal traditions and culture, especially after losing the 2018 elections. In response, a survey was conducted, identifying 1,800 important religious sites for tribal communities. The government plans to improve access to these sites, providing basic facilities such as drinking water and toilets. They will also celebrate tribal festivals and hold cultural fairs. The tribal welfare minister emphasized the government’s responsibility to respect and conserve tribal traditions. The BJP has recently seen electoral success by focusing on tribal issues and promoting notable tribal figures. With a significant tribal population in the state, the government aims to strengthen its relationship with these communities through respect for their religious practices.