Patna: Higher education minister Sanjay Singh on Sunday called for greater social participation to improve the educational, economic and social conditions of tribal and forest-dwelling communities. Addressing the inaugural session of a youth conference organised by Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram in Patna, Singh said the lives of these communities were deeply connected with nature, with water, land and forests forming the foundation of their existence.He said tribal people traditionally regarded trees as brothers, land as mother and animals as members of their families. Their close relationship with nature encouraged responsible use of natural resources rather than exploitation.Referring to the 2011 census, Singh said the tribal and forest-dwelling population of India was around 10.45 crore. He questioned whether adequate efforts had been made to connect the community with economic prosperity and educational opportunities.“If even one rose in a garden has withered, it reflects on the gardener’s intent,” Singh said, stressing the need for balanced and inclusive development.The minister urged youths to work in forest-dwelling areas to promote literacy and social awareness. He said education could help reduce superstition and strengthen national consciousness. He also called for greater involvement of doctors in healthcare and skill development programmes to create employment and self-employment opportunities.Singh said tribal communities must have equal rights while preserving their cultural values and traditional skills.
