Did Central Ministers Jual Oram and Kishan Reddy Attend the Medaram Tribal Fair?
Synopsis
Union Ministers Jual Oram and Kishan Reddy participated in the grand Sammakka–Saralamma Jatara, Asia's largest tribal festival. This event highlights the government's commitment to tribal welfare and development in Telangana.
Key Takeaways
Union Ministers participated in Asia's largest tribal festival.
Significant government initiatives for tribal welfare were announced.
Special arrangements made for devotees attending the Jatara.
A new Central Tribal University is being established.
The festival underscores the importance of tribal culture.
Hyderabad, Jan 29 (NationPress) Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Jual Oram, alongside Union Minister for Coal and G. Kishan Reddy, participated in the Sammakka–Saralamma Jatara, recognized as Asia’s largest tribal festival, held in Medaram, located in Telangana’s Mulugu district.
The Ministers were warmly received by State Ministers Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, Danasari Anasuya (Seethakka), and Adluri Laxman Kumar at the temple entrance.
Accompanied by traditional tribal drum beats, they were led into the temple where special rituals took place. They later made a gold offering ('niluvethu bangaram') to the deities, fulfilling their vows.
In a media interaction, Minister Oram noted that the Sammakka–Saralamma Jatara is the largest tribal festival in India, akin to the Maha Kumbh for tribal communities.
He reminisced about his visit to Medaram almost 20 years ago and expressed his joy to return at the behest of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Oram assured that the government is committed to the region's development. In addition to support for the Jatara, special trains have been organized for the convenience of attendees. He referred to Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy as an old colleague, recalling their time together in Parliament.
Emphasizing Central government initiatives aimed at tribal welfare, Oram announced that Rs 1 lakh crore has been earmarked under the Dharati Aaba Tribal Village Development Abhiyan, with Rs 24,000 crore allocated for the PM JANMAN scheme. He also mentioned that 23 Ekalavya Model Residential Schools have been approved for Telangana.
Reflecting on the establishment of a separate Ministry for Tribal Affairs during Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's tenure, he expressed pride in being its first Cabinet Minister.
He underscored the Union Government's respect for the legacies of significant tribal leaders like Bhagwan Birsa Munda and its commitment to honoring festivals such as the Sammakka–Saralamma Jatara.
Minister Kishan Reddy highlighted that the Sammakka–Saralamma Jatara attracts lakhs of devotees from multiple states over nearly a month.
He stated that both the Centre and state are collaborating on developmental initiatives in the area, including Rs 80 crore for tourism development at Mulugu, Laknavaram, Medaram, Tadvai, and Bogatha Waterfalls, Rs 40 crore for Ramappa Temple development, and Rs 3.70 crore for organizing the Jatara this year.
Additionally, he revealed that a Central Tribal University named after the Sammakka–Saralamma is being set up with an investment of Rs 890 crore, with work already underway. The Prime Minister will inaugurate the project in due course.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the significance of the Sammakka–Saralamma Jatara not just as a festival, but as a vital platform for tribal cultural expression and government initiatives aimed at tribal welfare. The participation of key ministers highlights an ongoing commitment to supporting these communities, which is crucial in the context of India's diverse social fabric.
NationPress
11 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sammakka–Saralamma Jatara?
The Sammakka–Saralamma Jatara is Asia's largest tribal festival celebrated in Medaram, Telangana, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of tribal communities.
Who attended the Sammakka–Saralamma Jatara?
Union Ministers Jual Oram and G. Kishan Reddy attended the event, along with several state ministers.
What initiatives were announced for tribal welfare?
The government announced an allocation of Rs 1 lakh crore under the Dharati Aaba Tribal Village Development Abhiyan and Rs 24,000 crore under the PM JANMAN scheme for tribal welfare.
How does the government support the Jatara?
The Centre is providing full support for the smooth conduct of the Jatara, including special train arrangements for devotees.
What is the significance of the new Central Tribal University?
A new Central Tribal University named after Sammakka–Saralamma, with a budget of Rs 890 crore, is being established to enhance educational opportunities for tribal communities.
