Governor Shri Mangubhai Patel stated that the traditional tribal knowledge systems—ranging from cuisine, folk arts, crafts, textiles, ornaments, tools to medicinal practices—preserved over centuries, are invaluable assets of our cultural heritage. He emphasised that it is society's responsibility to preserve and promote this folk culture. He praised the state government’s efforts to turn the creativity inherent in tribal arts, crafts, and traditions, rooted in natural resources, into sustainable livelihoods.
Governor Shri Patel was addressing the closing ceremony of the three-day Shilp Gram Mahotsav held at Ravindra Bhavan. The festival was organised by the Tribal Affairs Department in collaboration with Vanya Prakashan, the National Institute of Design, and the Tribal Research Institute. Before the ceremony, the Governor visited the artists present in the auditorium and interacted with them. He was presented with a tribal artifact made of bell metal by artisans from the Betul district, as a token of remembrance, and a set of products created by trained artisans and artists participating in the festival. Senior Gond artist Shri Anand Shyam welcomed the Governor with a traditional turban (safa) and garland (biran mala) in keeping with Gond customs.
Governor Shri Patel said it is a matter of pride for the tribal community that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has made historic efforts to empower them and ensure their development and prosperity. Under the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, the government is working to provide equal opportunities, raise socio-economic standards, and improve health, education, infrastructure, and livelihood for tribal populations. He noted that under the Janman Yojana, the most vulnerable tribal groups—including the Baiga, Bharia, and Sahariya communities in Madhya Pradesh—are now receiving access to safe housing, clean drinking water, healthcare, education, nutrition, roads, telecommunications, and sustainable livelihoods.