Varanasi, July 18 (Reporter) Taking a firm stance against divisive forces, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has condemned attempts to fuel caste and communal tensions via fake social media identities. Recalling a specific incident, he said, “A few years ago, there was a case of arson. I had remarked then that such an act likely didn’t belong to any particular community. The investigation later confirmed that the person involved was wearing a saffron scarf but was shouting ‘Ya Allah’. These deceptive individuals must be exposed and excluded from society if we are to protect national unity.” He further added that the same forces who spread caste-based hatred online had also tried to provoke tribal communities against the nation. “Such elements must face strict action,” he asserted. During his two-day visit to Varanasi, CM Yogi inaugurated the National Seminar on Tribal Pride Birsa Munda at Vasant Mahila Mahavidyalaya on Friday. He hailed tribal communities as the foundation of Indian civilization and warned against rising attempts to incite caste conflict through fake social media accounts, calling for immediate action to stop such divisive agendas. In his address, the Chief Minister emphasized that tribal society has always been the bedrock of India's Sanatan tradition. He highlighted its enduring role in defending the nation and safeguarding cultural values across eras. Referring to the Ramayana, he said, "When Lord Rama was in exile and Mother Sita was abducted, it was the tribal community that stood by him, despite the absence of Ayodhya’s army. Similarly, Maharana Pratap reorganised his army in the forests of the Aravalli Range with the support of tribal groups and resisted Akbar. Chhatrapati Shivaji, too, relied on the Vanvasi (forest dwellers) society to lay the foundation of the Hindavi Swarajya." The Chief Minister hailed Birsa Munda as a key figure of India's national awakening, asserting that tribal communities have consistently played a vital role in protecting India's spiritual and cultural legacy. "While we often associate the struggle for independence with recent history, the tribal society has been fighting for Sanatan Dharma through every age," he said. Acknowledging past shortcomings, the Chief Minister said previous governments failed to extend governance and essential services to tribal communities. “Where communication breaks down, conflict begins,” he noted. “After 2017, our government granted revenue village status to tribal villages, places that hadn’t had voting rights since 1947. We ensured delivery of ration cards, land leases, pensions, and development schemes to tribal regions in Sonbhadra, Chandauli, Mirzapur, and the Terai areas bordering Nepal.” Describing tribal society as the true embodiment of India’s Sanatan tradition, Chief Minister said, "Tribal communities live in complete harmony with nature, reflecting the essence of Vedic teachings in their everyday lives." "We often worship trees and rivers, but do not hesitate to exploit or encroach upon them. In contrast, tribal society has lived the message of the Vedas, coexisting with nature rather than exploiting it,” he remarked. The Chief Minister emphasized that Indian tradition has never confined Hindu identity to temple visits or scriptural belief. "Both the believer and the non-believer are Hindus. Charvak and Lord Buddha did not accept the Vedas, yet they are deeply respected in our tradition. Then why question the identity of tribal communities in the context of Hinduism?" he asked. Underscoring the importance of social harmony, the Chief Minister emphasised that the Kanwar Yatra embodies unity transcending caste, creed, and sect. “Today, the Yatra is progressing peacefully and with devotion, yet some label it as unruly. These are the same forces that try to mislead and provoke tribal communities. We must remain alert to such divisive elements,” he warned. He cited another incident from Jaunpur, where a towering Tazia was constructed in violation of safety norms and came into contact with a high-tension wire, tragically claiming three lives. “Following this, an attempt was made to block roads and create unrest. I instructed the police to take strict action. Those disrupting social harmony must understand that peace and order are paramount,” he asserted. Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi for declaring November 15 as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas (Tribal Pride Day), the Chief Minister said the move has instilled a sense of respect and recognition in tribal communities. “They are our original society. Tribal Pride Day is a gesture of gratitude and a bridge of communication with them,” he noted. He added that the state government has ensured 100% saturation of welfare schemes among marginalised communities, such as the Kol tribe, which is deeply rooted in the legacy of Lord Ram. “It is our collective responsibility to reach out to them and foster a spirit of positive competition and inclusion,” he said. Highlighting the legacy of Vasant Mahila Mahavidyalaya, the Chief Minister noted that the campus embodies the spirit of ancient Gurukuls. He acknowledged the contributions of freedom movement icons like Annie Besant and institutions such as the Krishnamurti Foundation in preserving India’s core civilizational values. The Chief Minister also lauded the work of Padma Shri Ashok Bhagat, who, under the guidance of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), has been serving tribal and underprivileged communities selflessly. He thanked the college fraternity for organizing the seminar and concluded the event with a symbolic message of environmental consciousness by planting saplings on the campus...////...