Telangana Governor, CM Revanth Reddy honour tribals on Indigenous Peoples Day
Synopsis
On International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, Telangana's Governor and Chief Minister called for protecting Adivasi rights and heritage, while BRS's KT Rama Rao used the occasion to spotlight the previous government's push to raise ST reservations from 6% to 10% — keeping tribal welfare at the centre of the state's political conversation.
Key Takeaways
Telangana Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla and Chief Minister A.
Revanth Reddy greeted tribal communities on 9 August , the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples .
Governor Shukla called Adivasi culture and wisdom 'a priceless treasure' and urged equal opportunities and inclusive development for tribal communities.
CM Revanth Reddy described indigenous peoples as 'the root of world civilisation' and pledged to stand for their rights, welfare, and self-respect.
BRS working president K.T.
Rama Rao highlighted the KCR government's Assembly resolution to raise ST reservations from 6% to 10% and cited multiple tribal welfare schemes.
Rama Rao also referenced the Kumram Bheem Adivasi Bhavan in Banjara Hills and a memorial park at Jodeghat as symbols of Adivasi recognition under the BRS tenure.
Telangana Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla and Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy extended greetings to tribal communities across the state on Sunday, 9 August, marking the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples. Both leaders called for safeguarding the rights, culture, and dignity of Adivasi communities, while opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K.T. Rama Rao used the occasion to highlight welfare measures undertaken during the previous KCR government.
Governor Shukla's Message
Governor Shukla extended warm greetings to 'all Adivasi brothers and sisters', describing the rich culture, traditions, and age-old wisdom of indigenous communities as 'a priceless treasure of our heritage.' He underscored their historic role as custodians of forests, water, and biodiversity, and called upon society to respect their rights, dignity, and identity while ensuring equal opportunities and inclusive development.
'Let us honour their invaluable contribution and work together to preserve their heritage and build a sustainable future for all,' the Governor said.
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy's Appeal
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy paid tribute to indigenous communities, noting that they 'revere nature as God, the forest as their mother, and safeguard their culture and traditions across generations.' He described the lifestyle of indigenous peoples as 'the root of world civilisation' and called their knowledge and collective way of life 'a guiding light for all humanity.'
'Let us all stand together to honor their rights, their very existence, their culture and to ensure their welfare, development, and self-respect,' Reddy stated.
BRS Highlights Tribal Welfare Record
BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao described Adivasis as 'nature's guardians' and 'symbols of diverse cultures and traditions,' invoking the legacy of freedom fighter Kumram Bheem — who raised the rallying cry of Jal, Jungle, Zameen — as an emblem of Adivasi courage.
Rama Rao, posting on X, highlighted measures taken during the tenure of former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR), including a state Assembly resolution to raise Scheduled Tribe (ST) reservations from 6% to 10%, the naming of Asifabad district after Kumram Bheem, and the construction of the Kumram Bheem Adivasi Bhavan in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad.
He also cited the establishment of a memorial park at Jodeghat, expansion of ST gurukuls and colleges, Ambedkar Overseas Scholarships, and the CMSTEI scheme — which reportedly trained tribal children for entrepreneurship — as key achievements of the BRS era.
The Broader Context
The International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, observed annually on 9 August, was designated by the United Nations to promote and protect the rights of indigenous communities worldwide. In Telangana, Adivasi communities remain central to political discourse, with tribal welfare, forest rights, and reservation policies featuring prominently across party platforms. This year's observance comes amid ongoing debates over the implementation of enhanced ST reservations in the state.
Point of View
BRS used it to remind voters of concrete policy moves — particularly the unimplemented ST reservation hike from 6% to 10% — that remain unresolved. The real measure of commitment will be whether the Revanth Reddy government acts on that reservation increase or lets it languish as a political football. Symbolic greetings are easy; structural change for Adivasi communities in Telangana is still pending.
NationPress
9 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples?
It is a United Nations-designated observance held annually on 9 August to promote and protect the rights of indigenous communities worldwide. In India, it is marked by tributes to Adivasi communities and their cultural heritage.
What did Telangana CM Revanth Reddy say on Indigenous Peoples Day?
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy described indigenous peoples as 'the root of world civilisation' and called their knowledge and way of life 'a guiding light for all humanity.' He pledged to stand for their rights, welfare, development, and self-respect.
What tribal welfare measures did KT Rama Rao highlight?
BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao cited the KCR government's Assembly resolution to raise ST reservations from 6% to 10%, the construction of the Kumram Bheem Adivasi Bhavan in Banjara Hills, naming of Asifabad district after Kumram Bheem, and schemes including Ambedkar Overseas Scholarships and the CMSTEI entrepreneurship programme.
Who was Kumram Bheem, referenced on Indigenous Peoples Day?
Kumram Bheem was a tribal freedom fighter who led the Adivasi resistance movement in the Nizam-era Hyderabad region, famous for his rallying cry of Jal, Jungle, Zameen (water, forest, land). He is a symbol of Adivasi rights and self-determination in Telangana.
What is the current status of ST reservation increase in Telangana?
The previous BRS government passed a resolution in the Telangana Assembly to raise Scheduled Tribe reservations from 6% to 10% and issued orders to that effect. The implementation status of this increase under the current Congress government remains a point of political contention.
