Tribal community urged to enter 'Adivasi' in religion column of census

Tribal people should clearly write 'Adivasi' in the religion column in the coming census, former MLA Dr Namdeo Usendi appealed. Dr Usendi, who inaugurated the Adivasi Dharmachintan Parishad, said the community would have to come forward united to preserve its distinct religious and cultural identity, traditions and sense of self.

The sixth Adivasi Dharmachintan Parishad was held at Pombhurna on Saturday, October 31, 2026. It was organised jointly by the Birsa Kranti Dal, the Akhil Bharatiya Adivasi Vikas Parishad, the Gondwana Gantantra Party, the Adivasi Tiger Sena and several other tribal social organisations. Dignitaries from different tribal regions, social workers, office-bearers of organisations and a large number of community members attended.

The parishad was presided over by former minister and Akhil Bharatiya Adivasi Vikas Parishad national vice-president Adv Shivajirao Moghe. It was inaugurated by Dr Usendi. Dashrath Madavi, founder and national president of the Birsa Kranti Dal, was the chief guide.

Others present included former commissioner Sambhaji Sarkunde, Birsa Kranti Dal Maharashtra state president D. B. Ambure, Akhil Bharatiya Adivasi Vikas Parishad state president Ramsaheb Chavan, Sanjay Madavi, Prabhakar Gedam, V. D. Kowe, Chintaman Kinake, Ramesh Bhisankar, Rajendra Masram, Ravindra Pendam, Sheshrao Kowe, Janardan Gedam, Mahendra Shedmake and Santosh Kudmethe.

In his inaugural address, Dr Usendi said the distinct culture, way of life, customs and religious beliefs of the tribal community have historical significance. To preserve this identity, he said, the community must remain aware of its religious identity. He said clearly that community members should take the initiative together to have 'Adivasi' recorded in the religion column of the census.

Dashrath Madavi stressed unity in the community. According to him, bringing tribal people together requires large-scale public awareness built on a distinct religious and cultural identity. He said the tribal community is divided into many groups and sub-groups, and strengthening unity among them is the need of the hour. Madavi also said dharmachintan parishads can play an important role in promoting traditional culture, protecting historical heritage and spreading awareness of constitutional rights.

D. B. Ambure spoke on the demand for a separate Adivasi religion code. He said submitting memorandums or making demands alone is not enough, and community members must be alert about their religious identity at the time of the census. According to Ambure, the religion data recorded in the census matters because the community's religious and cultural identity should be clearly visible in government statistics. He also appealed for organised efforts, through democratic means, for a separate Adivasi religion code.

The parishad held detailed discussions on subjects including the community's distinct religious identity, ancient customs, cultural heritage, social organisation, constitutional rights and all-round development. Various community organisations also stressed the need to coordinate with one another and work together on the community's issues.

Large numbers of tribal people from Chandrapur district and several other parts of Vidarbha attended. Those present said the guidance of the dignitaries helped build awareness of religious and cultural identity in the community.

Mahendra Shedmake, Janardan Gedam, Indrashah Kadte, Arun Talande, Ivandhar Gedam, Sukhdev Sidam, Bhola Kowe, Pratima Alam, Rekha Meshram, Lalita Kowe, Varsha Atram, Sambhaji Atram, Dilip Shedmake, Jagdish Shemle, Ramesh Kanake, Jagan Yelke and Rajesh Shedmake were among the workers who helped make the parishad a success.