Bhubaneswar: The State-Level Adivasi Mela 2026 concluded successfully at the Adivasi Mela Ground, Unit-I, Bhubaneswar, after an eventful run of 11 days. The fair witnessed a massive public turnout of over 10 lakh visitors and generated business worth more than 4.22 crore.
Addressing the valedictory ceremony as the chief guest, the Minister, STSC Development, Minority & Backward Classes welfare Development, Nityananda Gond, highlighted the success of the mela and reiterated the State Government’s commitment to tribal development in collaboration with the Central Government.
Several senior officials were present on the occasion, including B. Parameswaran, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Laxman Ku Mallik, Director, SC, Premjit Nayak, Director, ST, Surendra Kumar Meena, Additional Secretary, Debendra Nanda, Additional Secretary, Banita Dash, FA cum special secretary, Sujata Mishra, Special secretary, Sudhakar Sabar, Director, SCSTRTI and ATLC member secretary and senior officers associated with the Tribal Development initiatives.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister stated that the Adivasi Mela has effectively reflected the Prime Minister’s “Vocal for Local” vision by promoting tribal products, traditional huts (kudias), and indigenous craftsmanship. He emphasized that true development is not limited to economic growth alone but also includes the preservation of culture, identity, and human values. The Minister lauded the quality of tribal products and reiterated that protecting and promoting tribal languages, culture, and traditions remains a key priority of the government.
Highlighting welfare initiatives, the Minister informed that Eklavya Model Residential Schools have been established across the state to provide quality education to tribal students. He also spoke about increased scholarships, incentives to reduce dropout rates, and the progress of flagship schemes such as PM JANMAN, Janajatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, Mukhyamantri Janajati Jibika Mission, Pradhan Mantri Janajatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan, and PM PVTG Development Mission.
He said, the State Government is giving priority to housing, connectivity, healthcare, education, electrification, and economic empowerment of tribal communities through coordinated efforts with the Centre.
The Minister appreciated the relentless efforts of departmental officers and staff, stating that under the leadership of the Commissioner-cum-Secretary and with the coordinated work of the ATLC Member Secretary and officials, the successful organization of the state-level mela was made possible. Additional Secretary Surendra Kumar Meena, in his address, emphasized the need to integrate tribal communities into the mainstream in today’s competitive world. He said the Adivasi Mela is not only a celebration of heritage but also an important platform to provide market access to tribal products and livelihoods.
During the valedictory evening, the research journal “Banaja” was formally released, and the annual souvenir “Pahacha 2026” of the SC & ST Development Department Cultural Council was unveiled by the chief guest. 10 successful tribal farmers and skilled artisans were felicitated.
Awards were also presented to 3 best traditional tribal huts—Kutia Kandha Ghar, Juang Mand Ghar, and Pahadia Kharia Ghar and to 3 tribal micro-enterprises, including Sunayana SHG, Sukanya SHG, and Mahalaxmi Women’s Savings Committee.
The Adivasi Mela was organized under the patronage of the STSC Development, Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare Department by the Academy of Tribal Language and Culture, Bhubaneswar. The Mela featured tribal villages, haats, art and craft exhibitions, food courts, a special stall on the upcoming census, and a stall by the District Legal Services Authority.
