Ranchi(Madgaon) (Goa)::The National Adivasi Coordination Forum–India organized a two-day National Tribal Convention at the Manohar Parrikar Indoor Stadium, Madgaon. Representatives of tribal communities from various states across India participated in the event.
The convention aimed to reaffirm tribal unity, strengthen cultural identity, assert constitutional rights, and chart a path toward self-determined, sustainable development. On this historic occasion, delegates unanimously adopted the “Goa Declaration 2025.”
Preface of the Declaration
Inspired by the traditional wisdom of their ancestors, the strength of their cultures, and the dreams of future generations, the delegates resolved to move forward with a collective commitment to justice, dignity, and self-determined development.
The Goa Declaration was described as a document of hope for millions who remain marginalized, voiceless, and deprived of resources.
Our Vision
The Forum envisions an India where tribal communities live with security, dignity, and equal opportunity—freely preserving and promoting their cultural, linguistic, and ecological traditions.
Delegates emphasized that the existence of tribal peoples is inseparably linked with the survival of forests, water, and land—the natural foundations of life itself.
Key Resolutions and Demands
1. Reaffirmation of Identity and Unity
Delegates reaffirmed their distinct identities as India’s Indigenous/Tribal peoples, upholding values of coexistence and harmony with nature.
They rejected all unconstitutional and discriminatory policies and educational practices aimed at erasing or weakening tribal identity.
2. Assertion of Constitutional and Legal Rights
The Forum demanded full implementation and extension of rights guaranteed under the Fifth and Sixth Schedules of the Constitution.
It called for the effective enforcement of key protective laws, including:
The Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006
The Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA), 1996
The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989
The delegates also opposed any amendments that undermine tribal autonomy or weaken land and forest rights.
3. Protection of Water, Forest, and Land
The declaration affirmed the inseparable spiritual and ecological relationship between tribal communities and natural resources—not as commodities, but as ancestral heritage.
Delegates strongly opposed displacement and land acquisition without Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), as well as destructive development projects such as mining, dam construction, and deforestation.
They expressed support for sustainable, community-led ecological management systems based on traditional knowledge.
4. Strengthening Self-Governance
The Forum called for the genuine implementation of PESA (1996) and FRA (2006) by empowering Gram Sabhas (village assemblies) as autonomous decision-making bodies.
It also emphasized recognizing and strengthening customary laws, traditional institutions, and indigenous governance systems.
5. Social Justice, Education, and Cultural Rights
Delegates demanded equitable access to quality education in mother tongues, recognizing indigenous history, knowledge systems, and oral traditions within curricula.
They condemned systemic discrimination in social, political, economic, and educational spheres and demanded affirmative action and proportional representation for tribal youth and women.
The declaration further called for better public health facilities that respect indigenous medical practices and for the promotion of food sovereignty in tribal regions.
6. Solidarity, Cooperation, and Networking
The Forum expressed solidarity with Indigenous peoples worldwide struggling for sovereignty and justice.
It resolved to strengthen grassroots networks, inter-community dialogue, and public participation through the National Adivasi Coordination Forum–India and allied platforms.
The delegates also pledged to build alliances with marginalized communities, civil society, and democratic forces to create a just and inclusive India.
Call to Action
The Forum appealed to the Central and State Governments, the Judiciary, and civil society to recognize and respect the rights, dignity, and contributions of India’s tribal and Indigenous peoples.
It also urged local communities to:
Establish “Asmita Vans” (forests of identity) for environmental conservation.
Protect water sources and nearby forests.
Utilize traditional arts, crafts, skills, and knowledge to create local employment opportunities.
Set up Cultural Study Centers in villages to preserve indigenous languages, arts, music, cuisine, health practices, and agricultural traditions.
Promote local dispute resolution systems based on traditional norms.
Final Resolution
In a powerful closing statement, the delegates declared:
“We, the Adivasis of India, are not backward — we have been pushed back.
We are not voiceless — we have been silenced.
Today, we unite to reclaim our voice, our land, and our future.”
إرسال تعليق