Several Beneficial initiatives undertaken by the Tribal Affairs Ministry at the recently held Aadi Mahotsav in New Delhi

Aadi Mahotsav, the National- level Tribal Festival organised by Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation Limited (TRIFED), under the aegis of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, celebrates the spirit of tribal culture, crafts, cuisines, commerce, and art forms to present tribal culture on a national scale. It is an annual programme of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and is acclaimed for its multipronged unique approach at promoting, developing the tribal communities, and strengthening the economy.

The National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD), under the aegis of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, organized a Workshop for Artisans and Nano Enterprises for scaling up business activities from the 22^nd to 24^nd of February, 2023 at Aadi Mahotsav in New Delhi. The workshop was inaugurated on the 22^nd of February, 2023 in the presence of around 170 tribal artisans at the national level festival and concluded on 24^th February.

Dr Poonam Sinha, Director, National Institute of Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD), shared her concern that despite the tribal craftsmen' competence in their skill, their lack of business management knowledge prevented them from reaping the most of an event. She emphasised that since these tribal artists are just starting out in the world of entrepreneurship, they need a lot of mentoring and education about all its elements. The workshop would ensure value addition in the participants' already existing products, establish financial and marketing links, bring effect, and help in connecting with e-commerce platforms, participants would also be made aware of government regulations to enable them to benefit from government schemes. She also mentioned that handholding and mentoring help would be offered both during and after the workshop as they require it and ongoing support will be given to them.

Smt. Gitanjali Gupta, MD. TRIFED and other senior officials addressed the tribal artisans and remarked that the workshop will positively benefit the artisans in terms of developing marketing linkages, design interventions and support through Government Schemes. Various schemes of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs being implemented for the benefit of tribals throughout the country were also elaborated along with the initiatives of TRIFED to promote the products of tribal artisans through Aadi Mahotsav, sales outlets and various other sources. The dignitaries appreciated the initiative of NIESBUD for rendering support to the artisans for their business enhancement and extended their best wishes for the success of the workshop. The Officials of NIESBUD and other dignitaries also interacted with the participants to understand the challenges and bottlenecks being faced by the artisans in promoting their businesses.

The Department of Posts, under the aegis of the Ministry of Communication & Technology, also participated in the event. The India Post stall was set up for providing Speed Post/ Parcel booking facilities for domestic as well as international destinations, facility of Aadhaar enrolment/ updating, PLI various facilities of POSB and IPPB. The facility of sale of stamps and PLI/ RPLI facility was also extended at the stall. Besides, the Department of Posts is providing Parcel packaging services even in the remotest tribal areas of the country. Awareness Campaigns for a host of financial services were organised at Aadi Mahotsav.

Thus, Aadi Mahotsav is a celebration of tribal culture and more, serving several purposes for tribal welfare, uplifting the people of the country, and promoting the Prime Minister's vision of inclusive development through 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas' and 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.'

On the request of Ministry of Tribal Affairs and with a view to extend the Govt of India health benefits to the eligible beneficiaries, the National Health Authority has also enthusiastically participated in the Aadi Mahotsav having set up a stall, staffed and equipped to issue ABHA cards and process the applications for the Ayushman Bharat cards. Along with issuing the ABHA cards as required, the NHA team also carried out intense awareness campaigns among assembled tribal artisans regarding benefits of Ayushman Bharat scheme.

Associated Tweets:

https://twitter.com/tribalaffairsin/status/1629037526756495361?s=46&t=m7vve0-OZDMZuq8oviiwVg

https://twitter.com/tribalaffairsin/status/1628349766404046849?s=46&t=m7vve0-OZDMZuq8oviiwVg

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NB/SK/UD