The 2nd day of the Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh Pakhwada was observed on the theme “Education and Skill Development” in the tribal hamlet of ‘Haridamada’ village in Khordha district comprising over 60 tribal households and having over 300 population on 2nd November, 2025. Narrating the life story of the great Freedom Fighter, Social Activist and Educationist ‘Bhagwan Birsa Munda’, Dr. S.K. Mishra, Principal Scientist highlighted the association of Birsa Munda with ‘Education and Skill Development’ through various initiatives undertaken by him in the then Bengal Province. Later on, government initiatives like establishment of Birsa Munda College in North Bengal focuses on providing holistic education, enhancing student employability with skill-based courses, and supporting first-generation learners, particularly from tribal communities in alignment with the visions of Birsa Munda, our National Education Policy and the objectives of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Dr. H.K. Dash, Principal Scientist sensitized the participants about various welfare schemes and programme being undertaken by the Central and State governments and encouraged them to avail benefits. He made everyone aware on significant increase in India's government spending on tribal education and skill development, with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) budget rising to an impressive Rs. 14,925.81 crore in 2025-26, an increase of over 45% from the previous year. This funding is being channelized through flagship programs for tribal people, like (i) Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) with major focus on providing quality education; (ii) Tribal scholarship schemes (Pre-Matric, Post-Matric, National Fellowship, Top Class Education, and National Overseas Scholarship); and (iii) Skill Development Missions for Tribals through (a) Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PMJVM); (b) Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs), (c) Venture Capital Fund for STs; (d) Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) and (e) Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA). At the end of the programme, a special ‘Education Awareness and Sensitization Walk’ was organized in the village road with the enthusiastic participation of villagers along with children. A total of 73 participants (70 famers & farmwomen and 3 resource persons & staff) besides about 50 tribal children were present. Some of the action and activity photographs of Day-2 (02.11.2025) are presented below.
