“There are as many as 32 tribes with a population of 3.5 lakh in the state. These people depend on forest products for a living,” said Krishi Sangha President K N Vittal.
Addressing the gathering during the celebration Vittal said that these tribes have taken up the responsibility of conserving forests for the future generation.
They are the kings of the forest, but unfortunately many have mistook them to be the ones looting the forest. Commenting on the rich culture of the tribes, Vittal said that the tribals have upheld their moral values and also their political, social and cultural significance.
“Tribals prevent themselves from hunting animals that are expecting offspring and plucking fruit from trees during a particular period. This is the superiority of the tribal culture,” he said adding that these tribes have various benefits from the government but it is not reaching them.“If tribals are deprived of their rights then they should protest in a democratic way,” he said.
The Tribal and Traditional Forest Dwellers’ Act should be implemented by the government, said Krishi Sangha Taluk President Mudigere Suresh. Manaburu Haadi President Ravi presided. The day was celebrated with great pomp after tribal leader Boggu initiated the plantation drive.
