VIJAYAWADA: Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram inaugurated the national tribal cultural festival Udbhav-2025 at KL University, Amaravati, and urged tribal students to excel in academics, culture and traditions.
Oram said Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) will be developed on par with Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas and Sainik Schools.
He praised the achievements of tribal children in sports and expressed confidence that they will succeed in all fields. Explaining the festival’s name, he said Udbhav means ‘bringing out from within,’ symbolising the effort to showcase hidden talent.
The Minister lauded the Andhra Pradesh government, Tribal Welfare Minister Gummidi Sandhya Rani, and Secretary, Tribal Welfare, M Mallikarjuna Naik, for organising the event efficiently.
He also inaugurated the 6th National EMRS Cultural, Literary and Arts Festival.
Oram was welcomed with traditional tribal dances by EMRS students and toured exhibitions showcasing tribal traditions, handicrafts and products such as internationally acclaimed Araku coffee and honey. He also tried archery during the visit.
State Tribal Welfare Minister Sandhya Rani said Udbhav-2025 is a platform for transformation, aiming to develop creativity and confidence among tribal children.
A total of 1,647 students from 405 EMRS schools across India are participating, including 110 from Andhra Pradesh.
She highlighted Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s commitment to tribal development and requested additional EMRS schools, increased funding for tribal education, and priority for road connectivity in remote tribal areas.
Ajit Kumar Srivastava, Commissioner of the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), praised Andhra Pradesh for hosting the festival on a large scale and commended IAS officer M Gautami for organising the programme. He also greeted the audience in Telugu.
Tribal Welfare Department Chief Secretary M Mallikarjuna Naik said Andhra Pradesh, home to 2.8 million tribals, is proud to host Udbhav-2025, which strengthens diversity and cultural identity. He noted that 740 EMRS schools exist nationwide, with 440 new buildings under construction.
Twenty special teams have been deployed to manage competitions across theatres, seminar halls, classrooms and open-air stages, including group performances, storytelling and creative writing.
He said clinics, ambulances, food and accommodation have been arranged to ensure smooth conduct of the three-day festival.