The 20th edition of the Adivasi Mahasabha, a monumental gathering for the Adivasi community in Assam, is set to commence in Udalguri from February 6 to 9, 2025. This four-day event, organized by the Central Committee of the All Assam Adivasi Students’ Association (AAASA), will take place at the Borongajuli Tea Estate in Bhergaon, Udalguri. In collaboration with the district committees of Udalguri and Sonitpur, the event is expected to draw a massive turnout and will highlight pressing issues affecting the Adivasi community.
The 20th Adivasi Mahasabha will serve as a key platform for the Adivasi community to voice their concerns and engage in discussions regarding various tribal rights and demands. These issues include the demand for tribal status, wage hikes for tea garden workers, land rights, and other socio-economic concerns that continue to impact the community.
Cultural Celebrations and Traditional Performances
The event is expected to be a momentous cultural display, with over 3,000 Adivasi dancers and 1,000 traditional madal drummers performing, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Adivasi community. The cultural performances will not only be a highlight for the attendees but will also provide an opportunity to celebrate Adivasi identity, fostering unity and pride within the community.
Key Tribal Issues on the Agenda
The primary focus of the Mahasabha will be on addressing issues crucial to the welfare and rights of the Adivasi people in Assam. One of the central demands will be the recognition of the Adivasi community as a Scheduled Tribe (ST) under the Indian Constitution. The demand for tribal status has been a long-standing issue, and the Mahasabha will push for this recognition to help improve social, economic, and educational opportunities for the Adivasi population.
In addition to the tribal status issue, the wage hikes for tea garden workers will be a major topic of discussion. The Adivasi community, particularly those employed in Assam’s tea estates, has been advocating for fair wages and better working conditions. The Mahasabha will call on the government to address these concerns and ensure that tea workers receive adequate compensation for their labor.
Land rights are another critical issue that will be raised during the Mahasabha. The Adivasi community has long struggled with land ownership and security, especially in areas surrounding tea estates. The community’s demand for better land rights and legal protection is expected to be a key focus of the discussions, as many Adivasi families face displacement and lack secure tenure over their ancestral lands.
Political Support and Government Presence
The 20th Adivasi Mahasabha will witness the participation of several high-profile political figures. Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma is expected to attend and address the gathering, reinforcing the state government’s commitment to resolving the issues faced by the Adivasi community. Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) Chief Pramod Boro will also be present to show support for the community’s demands.
In addition to these leaders, Assam Assembly Speaker Biswajit Daimary, BTR council members, and various Union Ministers are expected to attend the event. Their presence underscores the significance of the Mahasabha as a platform for engaging in dialogue between the Adivasi community and government representatives. The event is anticipated to strengthen the relationship between the community and political leaders, fostering greater collaboration to resolve ongoing issues.
Massive Gathering Expected
With lakhs of attendees expected, the 20th Adivasi Mahasabha is poised to be a landmark event for the Adivasi community in Assam. The Mahasabha has a long history of mobilizing the Adivasi population and bringing together individuals from various regions of Assam to discuss common concerns. This year’s edition promises to be even more impactful, as it comes at a time when the community is actively seeking recognition and redressal of long-pending issues.
The Adivasi Mahasabha aims to not only highlight the community’s struggles but also empower its members to continue advocating for their rights and interests. The presence of political leaders and government officials provides an opportunity for meaningful discussions and possible resolutions to long-standing issues.
The 20th Adivasi Mahasabha in Udalguri is set to be a historic event that will address key tribal issues facing the Adivasi community in Assam. The event will serve as a major platform for discussing the demand for tribal status, wage hikes for tea garden workers, land rights, and other important concerns. The cultural performances and participation of political leaders will further elevate the importance of this gathering, making it a crucial moment in Assam’s tribal rights movement. With lakhs of people expected to attend, the 20th Adivasi Mahasabha promises to be a pivotal event in the ongoing quest for justice and recognition for the Adivasi community in Assam.