World Adivasi Day was observed on a large scale at the Government Degree College Grounds in Araku Valley on Monday, with cultural performances, an exhibition of tribal handicrafts and cuisine, and an address by the Minister for Women and Child Welfare, Gummadi Sandhya Rani, who attended as chief guest.The District Collector, T. Nishanthi, the Joint Collector, Tirumani Sri Pooja, the ITDA Project Officer, Aditya Varma, and other officials attended the celebrations in traditional tribal attire, along with public representatives, tribal elders and students. Ms. Nishanthi said the administration’s goal was inclusive development that preserved tribal identity, culture and traditions, and outlined initiatives under way in the district, including the Food in PGRS scheme, Khet Bachao Abhiyan loan melas for tribal farmers, and the ASR Lakshyam employment cell for tribal youth. She said 13,267 self-help groups with over 1.47 lakh women members had received financial assistance of Rs. 24.23 crore, and that no maternal deaths had been reported in 11 pilot primary health centres between April and July under the Zero Maternal Mortality Rate initiative.She said 13,267 self-help groups with over 1.47 lakh women members had received financial assistance of ₹24.23 crore, and that no maternal deaths had been reported in 11 pilot primary health centres between April and July under the Zero Maternal Mortality Rate initiative.Ms. Rani, who participated in the celebrations lit the ceremonial lamp, played traditional tribal drums and joined in tribal dances. She spoke of welfare measures for tribal communities, including the Adavi Thalli Bata road connectivity programme with an outlay of ₹1,000 crore, feeder ambulance services in remote areas, and educational initiatives such as Schools of Excellence for tribal students.Exhibition stalls set up by the Girijan Cooperative Corporation and the Information and Public Relations Department drew considerable attention. These included the Giri Gramadarshini display, bamboo crafts from Kusiriguda village, Chompi Lacquer Toys, Madagada Clay Toys, and an Adivasi Traditional Food Court organised by the Women and Child Welfare Department. Published - August 10, 2026 08:20 pm IST