President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday, 18 June called for integrating modern education, digital skills and technological access into tribal communities without diminishing their cultural identity or spiritual heritage. Addressing a conference on 'Empowerment of Tribal Society by Spiritual Awakening' organised by the Brahma Kumaris at Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium in Betul district, Madhya Pradesh, Murmu asserted that India's tribal communities carry a civilisational wisdom — rooted in spirituality, environmental stewardship and collective living — that must be preserved even as they are drawn into the national development mainstream.

Key Remarks from the President

Speaking before thousands of tribal community members, spiritual leaders and government representatives, President Murmu stressed that development must not come at the expense of traditional values. 'A balance between development and culture forms the foundation of a strong and prosperous society. True development is that which remains rooted in our heritage and core values while strengthening them,' she said.

She underlined that tribal empowerment must be a dual pursuit — expanding access to modern education and digital opportunities on one hand, while actively safeguarding cultural and spiritual practices on the other. The President noted that the rapidly changing world makes this balance more urgent, not less.

Tribal Wisdom and Environmental Relevance

Murmu observed that tribal communities have historically maintained a harmonious relationship with nature, embodying principles of sustainability that are increasingly relevant in an era of mounting environmental concerns. She said their way of life — marked by spirituality and respect for natural resources — fosters universal well-being, and holds lessons for mainstream society.

Referring specifically to Betul's tribal heritage, she said the district has preserved traditions of cooperation, simplicity, honesty and community living that serve as a model for sustainable development.

Spiritual Awakening in a Consumerist Age

Highlighting the growing importance of spiritual values, the President said rising consumerism and modern pressures have made spiritual awareness more critical than ever. She argued that spiritual purity is essential for building an egalitarian code of conduct and a lifestyle that is sensitive to natural resources. This comes amid a broader national conversation about the psychological and social costs of rapid urbanisation and digital saturation among young Indians.

President Murmu lauded the Brahma Kumaris for their work in promoting spiritual awakening, women's empowerment, youth development, de-addiction campaigns and social upliftment among tribal communities.

Vision for Viksit Bharat 2047

Calling for collective nation-building, Murmu urged all sections of society to contribute to the vision of a developed India by 2047 — where technological progress, cultural preservation, social harmony and environmental conservation advance together. The address reinforces the President's consistent advocacy for tribal rights and identity, a theme she has championed since taking office as India's first tribal woman President in 2022.

With tribal communities accounting for roughly 8.6% of India's population according to census data, the question of how development frameworks engage with indigenous cultures remains one of the country's most consequential policy challenges going forward.