The Minister for Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, highlighted the significance of preserving tribal heritage during the Mendhar Tribal Mela held on March 15, 2023, in Sagra, Mendhar (Poonch). He called for collective efforts to protect and promote the unique values that define the communities in the Pir Panjal region.
Addressing a vibrant gathering, Minister Rana urged that development must not come at the cost of cultural erosion. He stressed the importance of an integrative approach that harmonizes progress with tradition, warning that unchecked modern influences risk diluting the essence of tribal customs and moral frameworks.
Rana reiterated the commitment of the Omar Abdullah Government to foster inclusive development aimed at building a resilient, self-reliant tribal society grounded in rich traditions. He praised the concerted efforts of the Tribal Affairs Department and the local administration in organizing the event, calling it a meaningful step towards development with dignity.
The Tribal Mela enjoyed robust participation from local residents, showcasing an array of tribal heritage, food, and traditional wisdom. Attendees explored numerous stalls featuring indigenous cuisines, medicinal plants, and local healthcare knowledge systems. A free medical camp offered essential consultations and services to the public, reflecting the event’s holistic approach to community welfare.
This vibrant occasion underscored the government’s determination to ensure that development policies remain inherently connected to lived tribal realities while celebrating their rich culture and heritage.
Present at the event were Chairperson DDC Poonch Tazeem Akhtar, Deputy Commissioner Poonch Ashok Kumar Sharma, along with senior officers and a substantial number of locals, all united in promoting the cultural values and identity of tribal communities.
