India (Bharat) is home to one of the world’s diverse tribal demographies, comprising nearly 10.42 crore people. These include tribal communities ranging from the Gujjars, Bhotias, and Tharus of the Himalayan region to the Todas, Irulas, and Kadars of the south, as well as the Great Andamanese, Jarawa, Onge, and Sentinelese, classified as Negrito tribes in the Andaman Islands, and the Shompen and Nicobarese, belonging to the Mongoloid groups of the Nicobar Islands.

Tribes across the country are often regarded as custodians of nature, preserving their traditions and cultural practices despite long-standing exclusion from mainstream society. This marginalisation became particularly pronounced during the British colonial period, when certain groups, such as the Sabars of Odisha and West Bengal and the Gujjars of northern India, were stigmatised under the Criminal Tribes Act of 1871.

Such measures not only reinforced social prejudice but also led to widespread ostracism and economic hardship. In response, successive governments, along with social organisations such as the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), have undertaken sustained efforts through the philosophy of Samajik Samrasta, which aims to integrate tribal communities into the national mainstream while safeguarding their cultural heritage.

On Vijayadashami, October 2, 2025, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) celebrated the milestone of its 100th year, marking it as the Shatabdi Varsh. Throughout this century-long journey, the organisation has worked steadfastly on the ideas of visionary leaders such as M.S. Golwalkar and Deendayal Upadhyaya, who emphasised samajik samrasta (social harmony) and national unity.

Guided by these ideals, the RSS has launched several initiatives, including Parivar Prabodhan (Family Exhortation), which focuses on strengthening family values; Paryavaran Samrakshan (Environmental Protection), which encourages community participation in preserving nature; and Swadeshi Acharan (Nativist Conduct), which promotes self-reliance and indigenous practices. Collectively, these efforts have contributed to fostering national integration while respecting India’s cultural diversity, and have played a vital role in preventing the social alienation of tribal communities, especially in regions vulnerable to challenges such as Naxalism and religious conversion movements.

Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram (VKA): Back in 1952, Vanayogi Balasaheb Deshpande laid the foundation of the VKA in Jashpur, Chhattisgarh, starting with just six tribal boys and a vision to uplift and support tribal communities. What began as a modest initiative has now grown into a nationwide movement, reaching 447 districts and more than 52,000 villages across India. Guided by the dream of creating a truly Samarth Bharat (self-reliant India), the organisation today runs over 20,000 service projects. Its work spans a wide range of fields: education, healthcare, rural development, women’s empowerment, and sustainable livelihoods, making it one of the largest social service organisations in the country.

Bal Sanskar Kendras

Across the several tribal regions of Bharat, there are some cultural education centres run by RSS-inspired organisations that provide tribal children with not only basic formal education but also lessons in local traditions, folklore, tribal legends, and Indian cultural heritage, which helps to shape young lives. The aim is to help them develop a sense of pride in their roots while gaining the knowledge and skills to integrate with mainstream society, thereby fostering both cultural continuity and social inclusion.

As of 2023, the Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram runs over 20,000 Ekal Vidyalayas (single-teacher schools), educating nearly 30 lakh tribal children across remote areas. In addition, more than 1,500 hostels and residential schools have been established for tribal students in states such as Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Jharkhand, ensuring access to both formal education and cultural grounding. Through this extensive educational network, the RSS model seeks to promote and preserve Bharatiya cultural values while simultaneously fostering intellectual growth among tribal children, empowering them with greater opportunities and the confidence to realise their full potential.

Socio-Economic Development

Alongside education, some efforts have also been taken for sustainable training and skill development programmes and workshops for organic farming and agriculture conducted by the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh in states like Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha, which are dominated by various tribal communities. These initiatives not only equip farmers with practical skills but also encourage environmentally conscious methods of cultivation that can enhance long-term income security.

Parallel to these educational initiatives, tribal culture has gained new visibility through Tribal Art and Craft Exhibitions and fairs organised in major metropolitan cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. These events not only celebrate and market tribal art, textiles, and handicrafts but also create vital economic opportunities for artisans by connecting them directly with urban consumers. As part of these efforts, over 1.2 lakh tribal youth have been trained in organic farming, animal husbandry, and handicrafts, fostering both skill development and sustainable livelihoods. In addition, more than 50,000 artisans have benefitted from these exhibitions, witnessing a 20–30% annual increase in household income through improved market access and recognition of their traditional craftsmanship.

By connecting local creativity with urban markets, such exhibitions foster cultural pride and ensure that tribal knowledge systems continue to thrive in a rapidly modernising Bharat.

Healthcare and Welfare Programs

Tribal communities in India continue to face a ‘triple burden of disease’, characterised by disproportionately high rates of malnutrition,........

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