Residents of the woods stand united against the afflictions to safe-guard Sanatani Dharma
India’s tribal population, exceeding 120 million, faces significant challenges, particularly in light of historical conversions to Christianity that began during British rule.
To counter this trend, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) established the Bharatiya Akhil Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram (VKA) in 1952, which has since become the country’s largest tribal welfare organization, aiming to strengthen tribal identity within the framework of Sanatan Dharma. The VKA operates over 20,000 projects, reaching more than 50,000 tribal villages, with a workforce comprised mainly of tribals themselves. Recent national conferences, including one held in Samalkha, Haryana, emphasized the need for the organization to accelerate its efforts to combat challenges posed by Christian missionaries, Maoists, and other vested interests that threaten tribal communities. During this year’s conference, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat highlighted the importance of this mission, encouraging delegates to face challenges with confidence and to expedite the Ashram’s work across the nation.
The conference included an exhibition showcasing the worship rituals of 80 tribes, reinforcing their integral connection to Sanatan Dharma. Satyendra Singh, the national president of VKA, called for a unifying narrative that emphasizes Aranya Sanskriti (forest culture) as the core of tribal identity. He asserted that the tribal community is a vital pillar of the broader Sanatani society, echoing sentiments that the traditions and festivals of tribal societies align closely with Hindu practices. Various tribal leaders discussed pressing issues such as the impacts of conversion, Maoism, and socio-political challenges, underscoring the ongoing efforts of VKA not only in tribal regions but also in urban areas to mobilize resources and support for tribal welfare initiatives. The organization aims to reinforce tribal identities and combat narratives that seek to separate them from their cultural roots within the Sanatan framework.
