Kumar Bahukhandi
President Droupadi Murmu addresses the historic Muria Darbar during Bastar Dussehra at Sirhasar Bhavan in Jagdalpur on Friday, October 23, 2026, highlighting tribal traditions of unity, justice and collective decision-making.Photo: channel24india.com via CG/CMO
Addressing Bastar’s historic Muria Darbar, the President recalls her roots as a village head’s daughter and urges communities to advance through education while preserving their cultural identity
Key Highlights
- President Droupadi Murmu praises tribal institutions and collective decision-making at the Muria Darbar.
- Recalling her family’s traditional leadership roles, she says she is the daughter of a Manjhi.
- She advocates resolving disputes through dialogue and consent wherever legally permissible.
- The President calls for quality education alongside the preservation of tribal culture and traditions.
- Governor Ramen Deka and Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai attend the programme.
Raipur: President Droupadi Murmu describes the traditional institutions of tribal society as an outstanding example of social unity, justice, mutual cooperation and good governance while addressing the historic Muria Darbar organised as part of Bastar Dussehra on Friday, October 23, 2026. In the presence of Governor Ramen Deka and Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, she calls upon tribal communities to strengthen education, preserve their cultural heritage and remain united in confronting challenges such as Naxalism.
‘I Am the Daughter of a Manjhi’
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to reconnect with tribal traditions, the President recalled her own family’s association with community leadership.
“I come from this same tribal culture and tradition. My grandfather was a Manjhi, my father was a Manjhi, and my brother also served as a Manjhi. I am the daughter of a Manjhi—the daughter of a village head,” President Murmu said.
She said that although these family members were no longer with her, her attachment to their culture, social institutions and traditions remained strong.
The gathering, she said, offered another opportunity to experience the cultural practices and community values with which she had grown up.
An Unwritten System Sustained Across Generations
President Droupadi Murmu, flanked by Governor Ramen Deka and Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, attends the Muria Darbar at Sirhasar Bhavan in Jagdalpur on Friday, October 23, 2026. Photo: channel24india.com via CG/CMO
The President observed that India had moved through different systems of governance—from the rule of kings to British administration and, subsequently, democracy. Laws and governing institutions had changed, but tribal communities had sustained their customary social systems across generations.
“Systems of governance, policies and laws change with time, but tribal society has kept its traditions, social rules and unwritten constitution alive for generations. This system is an outstanding example of social unity, justice, mutual cooperation and good governance,” she said.
She highlighted collective worship, marriages, festivals, dance and music as expressions of a shared cultural life that continued to bind communities together.
The underlying purpose of culture, tradition, constitutional values and democratic governance, she said, was to sustain peace, happiness, affection and harmony in society.
Traditional Institutions and Collective Justice
President Murmu spoke about the role of Manjhis and other traditional leaders in addressing disputes involving families, property and community relationships.
She explained that village heads brought people together, heard different sides and sought solutions through discussion and agreement. Elders and other respected community members participated in these decisions.
Where a matter could not be settled at the village level, traditional institutions such as the Peed Pargana and Desh Pargana provided further forums for deliberation.
Recalling that a Peed traditionally brought together approximately 50 to 52 villages, she said discussions on difficult matters could continue for seven or eight days until a solution emerged.
“This tradition reflects the unity, collective responsibility and mutual trust of tribal society,” the President said.
Resolve Disputes Through Dialogue Within the Law
President Droupadi Murmu addresses tribal representatives at the historic Muria Darbar in Jagdalpur on Friday, October 23, 2026, as Governor Ramen Deka, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, state BJP president and Jagdalpur MLA Kiran Singh Deo and other dignitaries look on.Photo: channel24india.com via CG/CMO
The President noted that formal legal proceedings could sometimes involve considerable expense and lengthy delays, with certain disputes continuing for decades.
She encouraged communities to explore dialogue and mutually acceptable settlements wherever appropriate, while retaining an explicit commitment to the law.
“Wherever possible, and in accordance with the law, people should try to resolve disputes through mutual discussion, consent and their traditional social institutions,” she said.
She also observed that while the executive, judiciary and legislature had distinct responsibilities in a democracy, traditional Manjhis undertook several community functions involving leadership, dispute resolution and collective decisions.
Collective Life Is a Source of Cultural Strength
Traditional tribal leaders and community representatives attend the historic Muria Darbar during Bastar Dussehra at Sirhasar Bhavan in Jagdalpur on Friday, October 23, 2026.Photo: channel24india.com via CG/CMO
President Murmu said spirituality, community participation and reverence for nature occupied a central place in tribal culture.
Collective worship of village deities expressed a shared hope for health, prosperity and well-being. Festivals, she said, served not only religious purposes but also strengthened cooperation and cultural identity.
“People dance and sing together, celebrate together and share their happiness. This collective spirit is the greatest strength of tribal culture,” she said.
The President also recalled the struggles of tribal communities to defend their rights, dignity and identity during earlier periods of royal and colonial rule.
Education and Cultural Preservation Must Advance Together
Urging families to prioritise children’s education, the President said young people should receive opportunities to learn, develop their abilities and progress in life.
She called for positive changes in outlook and openness to new opportunities, while emphasising that progress should not require communities to abandon their identity.
“Give children a good education and opportunities to move forward in life. Adopt new thinking and opportunities for development, but do not give up your culture, traditions and social identity,” President Murmu said.
She described development and cultural preservation as complementary responsibilities.
“While embracing modern education, new ideas and opportunities for development, it is equally necessary to safeguard our cultural heritage, customs and social values,” she said.
The President encouraged communities to remain connected to their roots, respect traditional institutions and introduce younger generations to their heritage. She added that government support for tribal development and welfare would continue.
Preserve the Muria Darbar for Future Generations
President Murmu urged the community to sustain the Muria Darbar and other historic institutions, regardless of whether every tradition had been formally documented in government records.
She said brotherhood, harmony, social justice and good governance were embedded in these practices, making their preservation a shared responsibility.
“I am extremely happy to be among you. Your dedication to your culture and traditions is inspiring,” she said, thanking the people of Bastar for their affection, respect and warm welcome.
Governor, Chief Minister and Community Leaders Attend
President Murmu, Governor Deka and Chief Minister Sai were presented with mementoes during the programme.
Bastar Dussehra Committee president and MP Mahesh Kashyap, vice-president Balram Manjhi, Arjun Manjhi of Faraspal, Shashibhushan Manjhi of Hamirgarh and Gangadhar Manjhi of Kilepal also addressed the gathering and thanked the President for attending the Muria Darbar.
Those present included Bastar royal family member Kamal Chandra Bhanj Deo, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, Culture and Tourism Minister Rajesh Agrawal, Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap, Kanker MP Bhojraj Nag, Jagdalpur MLA Kiran Singh Deo and Mayor Sanjay Pandey.
Secretary to the Chief Minister Rahul Bhagat, Commissioner Doman Singh, Inspector General B. N. Meena, Collector Akash Chhikara and Superintendent of Police Shalabh Sinha attended alongside traditional Manjhi-Chalkis, Member-Memberins, Naik-Paiks, committee members and citizens.
