Prayagraj – Swami Avdheshanand Giri Maharaj expressed his views at the Youth Kumbh organized by the All India Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram at the sacred Prayagraj Mahakumbh. He emphasized that the Mahakumbh will not be complete without the integration of tribal society. He noted, "Just as you, the tribal brothers, have come to the Mahakumbh with your traditions, culture, and customs, in the same way, all saints should experience the pure and simple life of the forests. This is crucial, as without harmonizing with tribal society, the essence of Sanatan culture cannot be fully realized."
Swami Avdheshanand Ji shared his thoughts during the event and mentioned that all saints, who understand the responsibilities of the Aranyak (forest-based) culture, must frequently visit the forest areas, interact with the tribals, and even share meals together. He emphasized that we are all integral parts of the same Sanatan tradition.
The event was graced by prominent personalities, including Mahamandaleshwar Swami Raghunath Bappaji Maharaj (Farshi Wale Baba), Shri Durga Das Ji Uike (Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs), Shri Satendra Singh Ji (National President, Kalyan Ashram), Shri Harsh Chouhan (Former Chairperson, National Scheduled Tribes Commission), Padma Shri Chaitram Ji Pawar, among others.
During the opening of the event, Shri Harsh Chouhan spoke about the significance of the Kumbh and ongoing efforts to preserve the identity and existence of the tribal community. He highlighted that this Mahakumbh symbolizes the spiritual essence of Aranyak culture and that it can be experienced here.
Mahamandaleshwar Swami Raghunath Bappaji Maharaj shared his thoughts, asserting that the tribal society is an inseparable part of Sanatan Dharma. He explained that living in harmony with nature, including fruits, flowers, and natural resources, is a vital experience that can be observed during the Kumbh.
In his speech, Shri Durga Das Ji Uike emphasized that antisocial forces operating behind the scenes are attempting to change the tribal community through manipulation via social media and discourse. He urged the youth to take initiative and fight back with determination, noting that whenever the youth have led a struggle, change has followed. He encouraged the youth to bring about positive change in the forest regions.
Shri Satendra Singh Ji, National President of Kalyan Ashram, encouraged the youth to present what they know and believe about their community through various mediums. He urged the youth to build their image, study, and develop leadership qualities with perseverance and commitment.
During the conference, several prominent young tribal leaders, including Shri Lakshmanraj Singh Markam, Shri Jitendra Dhruv, Smt. Meena Murmu, Dr. Ram Shankar Uraon, Arvind Bheel, and others, shared their thoughts. As part of the Youth Mahakumbh 25 initiative, Shri Lakshman Singh Markam, an official from the Madhya Pradesh Government, presented the declaration in both Hindi and English. The declaration highlighted seven key points for the youth of the tribal region to implement in the coming years.
A special recognition was given to Padma Shri awardee Shri Chaitram Pawar, a senior member of the Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram and social worker. Additionally, young achievers in the tribal regions who worked with excellence were also honored during the event.
The event concluded with a highly dignified and graceful atmosphere, with thousands of young participants from across the country. The program was moderated by Shri Firoz Uike from the Vidarbha region. The event also featured devotional songs, as well as dance and music performances by workers from Telangana and Arunachal Pradesh.