EAM Jaishankar: India’s development journey is deeply intertwined with environmental conservation

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar greets tribal artists during the inauguration of the 2nd edition of tribal art exhibition titled ‘Silent Conversation from the Margins to the Centre’, at the India Habitat Center in New Delhi on Thursday. | Photo credit: ANI

India’s development journey is “deeply intertwined” with environmental conservation, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said and praised tribal communities for their role in protecting biodiversity.

He was speaking at an event held at the India Habitat Center in Delhi on Thursday (October 17, 2024) to mark the inauguration of a tribal art exhibition – ‘Silent Conversation: From the Margins to the Centre’ in Delhi.

In his speech, Mr. Jaishankar also praised the ‘Project Tiger’ which was started in 1973.

“It’s not an exaggeration; it’s a shining example of success. And one for which tribal communities deserve immense credit,” he said.

Jaishankar further said that this art does not just show creativity; sends a “profound message, which bridges the gap between nature and humanity…from tigers to tribals.”

“This exhibition shows that people can live with nature in complete harmony. It tells the story of how the tribal community, over millennia, forged a lasting bond with nature,” he added.

In his speech, he spoke of the philosophy of ‘Antyodaya’, which means leaving no one behind, and said: “It is not just a policy; it is the soul and guiding principle of our government.”

“We are committed to ensuring Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Prayas and Sabka Vishwas, with a particular focus on upliftment of marginalized communities, especially our tribal population. Through specific policies, we are creating opportunities, enhancing education with livelihood sustainable for our tribal population,” the minister said.

The Aspirational Blocks Program has been instrumental in improving the ease of living of the tribal communities residing in these areas, he highlighted.

“India’s development journey is deeply intertwined with environmental conservation,” the EAM said, and highlighted that tigers have been portrayed in the arts and also worshiped by some communities.

There is an “emotional relationship” between the tribals and the environment they inhabit and after seeing this exhibition, the feeling of Mother Earth comes to the heart, he said.

He concluded that, as Minister of Foreign Affairs, it will be a “source of pride for me” to present works of art made by tribes as a gift to people abroad.

Later, he also posted some photos of the exhibition on X.

“It is a pleasure to inaugurate the tribal art exhibition ‘Silent Conversation: From the Margins to the Center’ in New Delhi today. I witnessed a beautiful exhibition that showcases our spirit of environmental conservation, sustainability and living in harmony with nature. Praise for the exceptional work of our talented tribal artisans. Visit and support,” he posted.

The Sankala Foundation, in collaboration with the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, organized the exhibition with the support of the National Human Rights Commission and the International Big Cat Alliance.