The State-Level Adivasi Mela 2026 successfully concluded at the Adivasi Mela Ground, Unit-I, Bhubaneswar, after an impressive 11-day run.
The event attracted a massive public turnout of over 10 lakh visitors and generated more than Rs 4.22 crore in business.
At the valedictory ceremony, the Hon’ble Minister for STSC Development, Minority and Backward Classes Welfare, Shri Nityananda Gond, highlighted the success of the mela and reiterated the State Government’s commitment to tribal development in collaboration with the Central Government.
Several senior officials attended the event, including Shri B. Parameswaran, Commissioner-cum-Secretary; Laxman Ku Mallik, Director of SC; Premjit Nayak, Director of ST; Surendra Kumar Meena, Additional Secretary; Debendra Nanda, Additional Secretary; Banita Dash, FA cum Special Secretary; Sujata Mishra, Special Secretary; and Sudhakar Sabar, Director of SCSTRTI and ATLC Member Secretary.
During his address, the Minister stated that the Adivasi Mela effectively embodied the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s “Vocal for Local” vision by promoting tribal products, traditional huts (kudias), and indigenous craftsmanship. He emphasised that true development extends beyond economic growth to include the preservation of culture, identity, and human values. The Minister praised the quality of tribal products and affirmed that protecting and promoting tribal languages, cultures, and traditions is a key priority for the government.
The Minister also highlighted various welfare initiatives, noting the establishment of Eklavya Model Residential Schools across the state to provide quality education to tribal students. He spoke about increased scholarships and incentives aimed at reducing dropout rates, as well as the progress of flagship schemes, including PM JANMAN, Janajatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, Mukhyamantri Janajati Jibika Mission, Pradhan Mantri Janajatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan, and PM PVTG Development Mission. He stated, “The State Government prioritises housing, connectivity, healthcare, education, electrification, and economic empowerment of tribal communities through coordinated efforts with the Centre.”
The Minister commended the relentless efforts of the departmental officers and staff, stating that the successful organisation of the state-level mela was made possible under the leadership of the Commissioner-cum-Secretary and through the coordinated work of the ATLC Member Secretary and officials. Additional Secretary Surendra Kumar Meena emphasised the need to integrate tribal communities into mainstream society in today’s competitive world. He highlighted that the Adivasi Mela serves as both a celebration of heritage and an important platform for providing market access to tribal products and livelihoods.
During the valedictory evening, the research journal “Banaja” was formally released, and the annual souvenir “Pahacha 2026” from the SC & ST Development Department Cultural Council was unveiled by the chief guest. Ten successful tribal farmers and skilled artisans were honoured, along with awards for the three best traditional tribal huts—Kutia Kandha Ghar, Juang Mand Ghar, and Pahadia Kharia Ghar—and three tribal micro-enterprises, including Sunayana SHG, Sukanya SHG, and Mahalaxmi Women’s Savings Committee.
The Adivasi Mela was organised under the patronage of the STSC Development, Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare Department by the Academy of Tribal Language and Culture, Bhubaneswar. The event featured tribal villages, haats, art and craft exhibitions, food courts, a special stall about the upcoming census, and a stall by the District Legal Services Authority.
