By Er. Rajesh Pathak, Bhopal
The issue of demographic imbalance has long figured in the writings and concerns of several social and cultural thinkers in India. Reflecting such concerns, Lt. Col. U.N. Mukherji authored the book Hindu: A Dying Race, in which he highlighted what he perceived as demographic challenges facing Hindu society. In response, Swami Shraddhanand of the Arya Samaj wrote Hindu Sangathan: Saviour of the Dying Race, focusing on social organisation and community consolidation as a remedy. While one work identified the challenge, the other suggested a course of action. It is in this broader context that organisations such as the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its various affiliated bodies have carried out their activities across different sections of society.
One such organisation is the Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram (VKA), which has been working among tribal communities for decades. Supporters of the organisation argue that missionary activities in tribal regions often sought to separate tribal identities from the broader Hindu cultural framework and facilitated religious conversions. The Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, through social service, educational initiatives, healthcare programmes, and cultural outreach, has attempted to strengthen the connection between tribal communities and their traditional cultural roots.
Dr. Prasanna Sapre, one of the founding members of the organisation, narrates several instances to illustrate this effort. He recalls that during the 1980s, when a large number of people in Meenakshipuram embraced Islam, a nationwide movement was launched for the protection of Hindu Dharma. During this period, a Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram worker visited a tribal household in Jashpur seeking contributions for the cause. The worker expected a token donation, as the resident was dressed in a simple vest and a worn-out dhoti. To his surprise, the tribal donor contributed Rs 50, a substantial amount at the time. The donor explained that he considered the protection of Dharma important enough to contribute whatever little he had saved. Such incidents, according to the organisation, reflected a strong sense of cultural commitment among ordinary people despite limited means.
Dr. Sapre also points to developments in Nagaland. He writes that there was a time when very few people in the region identified themselves as Hindus. However, with the expansion of social and cultural outreach activities, perceptions gradually began to change. During the movement for the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, freedom fighter Rani Gaidinliu publicly appealed to the Central Government to permit the construction of the temple and declared that the Nagas were also part of the larger Hindu civilisational family.
The Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram has also focused on youth development. Through its Ekalavya Khel-Kood Prakalp (Eklavya Sports Project), it sought to identify and nurture sporting talent among tribal youth. The initiative brought many promising athletes into the national spotlight and drew governmental attention towards the potential of tribal sportsmen and women. Several participants went on to compete at national and international levels. Among them was Maharashtra’s long-distance runner Kavita Raut, who won a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games, becoming a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes from tribal communities.
The organisation has also emphasised awareness of tribal contributions to India’s history and freedom struggle. During the celebrations of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav in 2022, it organised symposiums, exhibitions, debate competitions, and youth interaction programmes in 110 universities across the country, involving more than 50,000 students. These programmes introduced many young people to the role played by tribal heroes and freedom fighters whose contributions had often received limited attention in mainstream historical narratives.
A major initiative undertaken by the organisation was the Janjati Yuva Kumbh, organised during the Prayagraj Kumbh on February 6–7, 2025. Held under the theme “Tu Main Ek Rakt” (You and I are of the same blood), the event brought together more than 10,000 tribal youths from the North-East, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and southern India. Participants showcased a rich variety of folk traditions, dances, music, and cultural practices. Performances such as Assam’s Bihu, Jharkhand’s Chhau, and Chhattisgarh’s Karma dance highlighted the diversity of tribal cultures while also demonstrating their shared civilisational links. The event sought to strengthen cultural bonds and promote a sense of national unity rooted in India’s pluralistic traditions.
The year-long celebration of the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, the legendary tribal freedom fighter and social reformer, also received significant attention from the organisation. Through seminars, cultural programmes, and awareness campaigns, efforts were made to acquaint younger generations with Birsa Munda’s contribution to the struggle against colonial rule and his efforts to protect tribal identity and rights.
Recognising the importance of holistic development, the Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram has also initiated the Nirman Prakalp (Personality Development Project). The initiative aims not only to develop individual skills but also to nurture a sense of social and national responsibility among young people. In an era of rapid social change, the organisation believes that personality development should be accompanied by character building and community consciousness.
The Ashram has also sought to address educational challenges faced by students from remote and economically weaker backgrounds. For many tribal students, access to quality coaching institutions remains beyond reach. To bridge this gap, the organisation has established coaching and mentoring facilities at various centres, helping students prepare for higher education and competitive examinations.
Continuing its efforts to preserve and promote tribal culture, the organisation hosted a Tribal Cultural Confluence (Janjati Sanskritik Samagam) at Delhi’s Red Fort on May 24, 2026, as part of the celebrations marking Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s 150th birth anniversary. The event brought together tribal representatives, social workers, women, youth leaders, and intellectuals from different parts of the country. Participants displayed their traditional attire, musical instruments, art forms, and cultural practices, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the rich heritage and collective consciousness of India’s tribal communities.
Such initiatives, according to supporters of the organisation, are rooted in a broader vision of social cohesion, cultural preservation, and national integration. They see these efforts as an extension of the ideals articulated by Swami Shraddhanand, who advocated social organisation and cultural confidence as means of addressing challenges facing society. Whether through education, sports, cultural programmes, or social service, organisations like the Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram continue to work towards strengthening community bonds and fostering a sense of shared national identity.
(The author is a freelance writer and columnist and can be reached at Mob: 9826337011)
