43rd Foundation Day of CYSD: Justice A.K. Patnaik calls for inclusive tribal development in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Tribals in India have long been the stewards of their land and forests. However, during British colonial rule, they were subjected to a legal and administrative structure that was alien to their way of life, leading to large-scale displacement and loss of their land to non-tribals, said Justice A.K. Patnaik, former Judge of the Supreme Court of India, while delivering the Foundation Day Lecture of the Centre for Youth and Social Development (CYSD).

CYSD observed it 43rd Foundation Day on Monday. The lecture, titled “Tribal Development in India: Focus on the State of Odisha,” underlined the historical context and contemporary challenges in the development tribal populations.

Justice Patnaik delved into the challenges that tribals face due to the policies that often prioritise revenue generation over welfare. He pointed out, “Although mining and industrial development have brought economic benefits to the country, they have often failed to deliver tangible benefits to the tribal communities. The gap between tribals and non-tribals has remained either the same or widened in many areas.”

Justice Patnaik praised the efforts of CYSD under the mentorship of its co-founder Shri Jagadananda, in championing the cause of tribal development in Odisha. Highlighting CYSD’s work with 23 out of the 62 tribes in Odisha, Justice Patnaik said, “CYSD’s commitment to improving the lives of tribal communities through livelihood, education and skill development went a long way in catalysing social change.”

Justice Patnaik raised concern that, “Despite provisions in the Constitution for reservations, tribes remain underrepresented in government services due to inadequate access to quality education and resources.”

He lamented that despite the implementation of the Forest Rights Act, 2006, which aims to rectify historical injustices against tribals, forest dwellers still struggle to secure their rightful land titles.

The lecture concluded with a call for improved public investments in tribal development, both from the Central and State Governments. He urged for the establishment of more Tribal Research Institutions (TRIs) across India to conduct research tailored to the unique needs of tribal populations through localised research, and every state with a significant tribal population should have a dedicated institution to formulate policies that truly benefit these communities.”

Justice Patnaik remarked, “The tribal population of India, unlike other disadvantaged groups, has often remained silent in the face of exploitation, enduring hardship without organised resistance. While there have been isolated instances of insurgency in response to this injustice, it is essential to support peaceful, constructive solutions to ensure accelerated development for tribal communities.”

Jagadananda provided an overview of the organisation’s 43-year journey and highlighted its pioneering role in Right to Information (RTI) advocacy; social audits for transparency; tribal empowerment and development; and youth engagement in electoral awareness. He reaffirmed CYSD’s commitment to strengthening participatory governance and social accountability.

Among others, CYSD co-founder Prafulla Kumar Sahoo, Padmashri Tulasi Munda and the Founder Chairman of Gram Vikas, Joe Madiath, spoke on the occasion. Madhumita Das, former Vice-Chancellor of Fakir Mohan University proposed the vote of thanks.

More than 300 people, including government officials, members of civil society, academia, students, and community members, attended the event.