President Murmu hails tribal communities as models of nature harmony
Synopsis
Speaking at a tribal empowerment conference in Betul, President Droupadi Murmu — India's first tribal President — called indigenous communities exemplary models of ecological stewardship and human values. The address, part of a five-day Madhya Pradesh visit, positions tribal knowledge systems as a mainstream answer to India's environmental challenges, not just a cultural footnote.
Key Takeaways
President Droupadi Murmu addressed the 'Empowerment of Tribal Society through Spiritual Awakening' conference in Betul, Madhya Pradesh on 18 June .
She called tribal communities exemplary models of nature conservation , citing their sustainable approach to water, forests, and land.
The President urged citizens to launch large-scale tree plantation drives and make conservation a people's movement.
Thousands of tribal men and women from across Madhya Pradesh attended the event at Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium .
MP Governor Mangubhai Patel , Union MoS Durgadas Uike , and State Minister Narendra Shivaji Patel were among the dignitaries present.
The Betul event was part of President Murmu's five-day visit to Madhya Pradesh.
President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday, 18 June praised India's tribal communities for preserving their cultural heritage, traditional values, and deep bond with the natural world, calling them an enduring source of inspiration for the broader society. She was speaking in Betul, Madhya Pradesh, at the 'Empowerment of Tribal Society through Spiritual Awakening' conference held at Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium.
Key Remarks by the President
Addressing thousands of tribal men and women drawn from across Madhya Pradesh, President Murmu underscored the resilience with which indigenous communities have safeguarded their customs across generations. "The tribal community has preserved its traditions and cultural heritage through generations. Their lives are rooted in empathy, cooperation, honesty and human values, which inspire society at large," she said.
She also highlighted the spiritual dimension of community life, arguing that inner awakening produces wider social change. "Spirituality brings peace, balance and renewed hope in a person's life. Such transformation helps create positive change in society and contributes to the empowerment of communities," the President added.
Tribal Life as an Environmental Model
President Murmu drew particular attention to the relevance of the tribal way of life in addressing contemporary ecological challenges. She noted that these communities have long practised sustainable living, maintaining a harmonious relationship with forests, water bodies, and land. "The tribal community's bond with nature and its approach towards conserving water, forests and land serve as an exemplary model for society today," she said.
Calling for broader public engagement, she urged citizens to take up large-scale tree plantation and transform conservation into a people's movement. Her remarks come at a moment when discussions around environmental sustainability and the protection of indigenous traditions are gaining renewed national attention.
Conference Format and Dignitaries
The President formally inaugurated the event by lighting a ceremonial lamp, following the rendering of the National Song and National Anthem. Cultural performances showcasing tribal artistic heritage were also part of the programme.
Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel presided over the conference. Union Minister of State Durgadas Uike, State Minister Narendra Shivaji Patel, and Brahma Kumaris' Odisha incharge Dr Nathmal were among the dignitaries present on the dais.
Part of a Larger State Visit
The Betul conference was one of the central engagements of President Murmu's five-day visit to Madhya Pradesh. As India's first tribal President, Murmu's focus on indigenous empowerment and ecological stewardship carries both symbolic and policy weight, reinforcing a narrative that tribal knowledge systems deserve mainstream recognition rather than mere ceremonial acknowledgement.
Point of View
Not just presidential praise. Yet the gap between such high-profile endorsements and actual protections for tribal land rights, forest access, and community governance remains wide. India has repeatedly celebrated indigenous wisdom in speeches while simultaneously advancing infrastructure and mining projects that displace the very communities being lauded. The test of this conference's impact will be whether the spiritual empowerment framing translates into concrete legal and administrative safeguards — or whether it remains, as critics argue, a feel-good ritual that leaves structural inequities untouched.
NationPress
4 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did President Murmu say about tribal communities at the Betul conference?
President Droupadi Murmu praised tribal communities for preserving their cultural heritage and maintaining a harmonious bond with nature, calling them an inspirational model for society. She specifically highlighted their sustainable approach to conserving water, forests, and land as a template for addressing contemporary environmental challenges.
Where and when was the 'Empowerment of Tribal Society through Spiritual Awakening' conference held?
The conference was held on 18 June at Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium in Betul, Madhya Pradesh. It was attended by thousands of tribal men and women from across the state.
What was the main theme of the Betul tribal conference?
The conference focused on the role of spirituality in social empowerment and community development among tribal societies. President Murmu emphasised that inner spiritual awakening strengthens both individuals and communities, contributing to broader social transformation.
Who else attended the conference alongside President Murmu?
Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel presided over the event. Union Minister of State Durgadas Uike, State Minister Narendra Shivaji Patel, and Brahma Kumaris' Odisha incharge Dr Nathmal were also present on the dais.
Why is President Murmu's focus on tribal communities significant?
As India's first tribal President, Droupadi Murmu's advocacy for indigenous communities carries particular symbolic weight. Her remarks on ecological stewardship come at a time when environmental sustainability and the protection of indigenous traditions are receiving increasing national attention.
