2,500 tribal representatives gather at ISKCON’s All India Tribal Convention in Bengal

New Delhi, Mar 27: Around 2,500 participants from tribal and marginalised communities across the country gathered in West Bengal’s Mayapur for the tenth All India Tribal Convention hosted by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) till Sunday.

The three day convention, organised at ISKCON’s global headquarters in Mayapur, has brought together representatives from at least ten states – West Bengal, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tripura, Telangana and Mizoram. Participants from diverse communities such as Santhal, Oraon, Munda, Bhumij, Kora, Lodha, Bhutia, Lepcha, Toto, Asur, Rajbanshi, Namasudra, Bagdi, Bauri, Chamar, Muchi and Lohar are attending the event.

Organisers said the convention aims to showcase the cultural richness, traditional knowledge systems and spiritual values of tribal communities through a series of cultural programmes, seminars and interactive sessions. The participants are also presenting their simple lifestyles and indigenous practices on stage, while efforts have been made to ensure proper accommodation, food and security arrangements.

ISKCON’s public relations officer, Rasik Gauranga Das, said the initiative is inspired by the teachings of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. “The purpose of this convention is to help members of tribal and marginalised communities feel connected with the mainstream while preserving their identity. They are not separate but an integral part of society,” he said.

He added that experts working at the grassroots level in tribal development are sharing their experiences through lectures and seminars focusing on education, healthcare, social upliftment and sustainable livelihoods.

According to ISKCON, it runs year-round programmes for the welfare of tribal communities across several states. The organisation currently operates around 120 learning centres and 18 schools, benefiting nearly 5,000 students under the guidance of about 280 teachers.

In West Bengal, such initiatives are concentrated in districts like Purulia, Bankura and Jhargram, where ‘Nimai Pathshalas’ have been set up for tribal children, with provisions for food and lodging.

The organisation also conducts regular medical camps, health awareness drives and safe drinking water initiatives in tribal areas. This year, over 22,000 people have received free healthcare services under these programmes, Das said.