The 3rd day of the Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh Pakhwada, i.e., 3rd November, 2025, was observed on the theme “Livelihood and Entrepreneurship” with special emphasis on socio-economic empowerment through ‘SHGs, Startups, and Tribal Product Branding’ in the IIWM-adopted tribal village of ‘Jamujhari’ in Jatani block of Khordha having sixty tribal households with a population of over three hundred fifty. Speaking to the participants, Dr. S.K. Mishra, Principal Scientist briefed about the relevance of observing this Pakhwada and the inspiring life story ‘Bhagwan Birsa Munda’ who dedicated his life to fighting for the rights of indigenous communities, raising awareness about British atrocities, and promoting their cultural heritage. He added, Birsa Munda's life and struggle were defined by his fight for the livelihood of the Munda tribe, which was threatened by British colonial policies and outsiders. Birsa Munda advocated for a return to traditional livelihoods rooted in agriculture and forest resources, which were being usurped by the British through land and forest laws, and led a rebellion to reclaim tribal land ownership and rights. Dr. Prativa Sahu, Scientist spoke about various welfare schemes and programme of the Central and State governments. Dr. Sahu advocated the participants, particularly over 50 women participants from six SHGs of the village, to take up some enterprising agricultural activities like, mushroom farming, backyard poultry rearing, vermi-composting, scientific goat rearing, leave-plate making etc. besides being engaged in as a farmer or a labourer to sustain livelihoods and improve family income. Dr. Sahu also advised to take advantages of the Skill Development Missions of the state and central governments for tribals, particularly 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). The local Ward Member Smt. Geetanjali Behera and the Gram Pradhan Sri Laxman Nayak also addressed the gathering on various issues impacting village life. It was decided to take up various capacity building programmes for the tribal farmers/ farmwomen for the ensuing winter/ rabi season through the Institute Projects. A total of 75 participants (69 famers & farmwomen and 6 resource persons & staff) besides about 25 tribal children were present. At the end, Dr. S.K. Karna proposed a formal vote of thanks. Some of the action and activity photographs of Day-3 (03.11.2025) are presented below.
