NewzVille Desk
Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Jual Oram graced as the chief guest at the 8th Foundation Day celebrations of the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) in New Delhi yesterday. Durgadas Uikey, Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Faggan Singh Kulaste,Chairman, Parliament’s Committee on Welfare of SCs and STs, and Ranjana Chopra, Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs were present on the occasion. The programme also saw the presence of other Members of Parliament.
In his address Oram reiterated the government’s commitment towards empowering tribal communities through quality education. The Minister said, the Eklavya Model Residential Schools initiative is the turning point for the tribal community’s development.
He said these institutions are playing a crucial role in providing holistic education to tribal children, especially in remote and underserved areas.
Oram also mentioned the modern facilities being provided in Eklavya schools, including well-equipped classrooms, digital learning tools, sports infrastructure, and residential amenities aimed at ensuring the overall development of students. He noted that special focus is being laid on skill development, cultural preservation, and academic excellence.
Speaking on the occasion, Uikay said said, “From the remotest forests and hills, where opportunities were once scarce, tribal students today are stepping into classrooms of excellence and daring to dream of IITs, hospitals, and leadership. This is not just about schools being built; it is about confidence being restored.”
Addressing the gathering Kulaste highlighted that tribal children are increasingly excelling in education, sports, and on national platforms, reflecting a significant shift towards inclusion, confidence, and national integration.
He noted that the participation of children from remote tribal regions stands as a powerful testament to their aspirations rising above barriers and becoming an integral part of the nation’s development journey.
The Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, emphasized that the growing success of tribal students in premier national institutions is being enabled through EMRS, which are fostering not only academic excellence but also holistic development, thereby translating opportunity into tangible outcomes.
26 EMRS students were felicitated for their outstanding performance, including 10 students for academic excellence and 16 for achievements across diverse fields, celebrating their holistic development.
Adding vibrancy to the event, students from EMRS Tamenglong, Manipur presented beautiful cultural performances, beginning with a soulful Saraswati Vandana, followed by an energetic dance, an engaging skit/drama, and culminating in a vibrant fashion show, collectively showcasing the rich traditions and heritage of the state’s tribal communities.
