DODA, OCTOBER 29: District Development Commissioner (DDC) Doda Krishan Lal today chaired a meeting to review the preparedness of departments for the fortnight long celebration of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas (JJGD)-2026 scheduled from November 1 to November 15.
The meeting focused on ensuring coordinated participation of the departments in organising activities to highlight the rich cultural heritage, traditions, history, languages and contributions of tribal communities, particularly their role in India’s freedom struggle and nation-building.
The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Anil Kumar Thakur; Programme Officer ICDS and Nodal Officer, Tribal Affairs Department Akhter Qazi; Chief Planning Officer (CPO) Manesh Kumar Manhas; Assistant Commissioner Development (ACD) Din Mohd Afaqi; Chief Education Officer (CEO) Bhushan Kumar Pathak; District Cultural Officer; Principal Government Degree College Doda and Wardens of Gujjar and Bakarwal Boys’ and Girls’ Hostels.
SDM Thathri, Tehsildar Bhaderwah, Tehsildar Chiralla and the heads of Government Degree Colleges Thathri and Kastigarh participated in the meeting virtually.
The DDC emphasised the importance of making the fortnight-long celebrations meaningful, inclusive and participatory, with a special focus on tribal identity, cultural values, indigenous traditions and the contribution of tribal freedom fighters, particularly Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
The DDC directed the concerned departments to ensure the timely implementation of the planned activities in accordance with the approved calendar. He stressed that the celebrations should extend beyond formal functions and reach tribal habitations through active community participation and awareness initiatives.
The meeting decided to host a cultural programme on November 15, 2026, showcasing tribal culture, traditions, history, languages and heritage. The activities planned would also highlight traditional customs, folk music, dance and indigenous knowledge.
Emphasising the role of educational institutions in preserving tribal heritage, the DDC directed the Chief Education Officer and heads of the concerned educational institutions to organise awareness sessions, painting competitions, essay writing, poetry recitation, quizzes and other activities on tribal history, culture, languages and heritage. The activities will also seek to familiarise students with the contributions of tribal heroes and promote awareness of tribal life and traditions.
The Block Development Officers would be the nodal officers for organising the activities at the block level as per the approved Calendar. The focus shall be on generating awareness among Tribal communities regarding Government schemes.
Stressing the importance of healthcare outreach in tribal areas, the DDC directed the Health Department to organise free health check-up camps, tuberculosis screening and awareness programmes on health-related Government schemes in ST villages.
The DDC revealed that meritorious Scheduled Tribe students and individuals who have excelled in education, art, literature, sports and other fields shall be felicitated by the district administration for their achievements. “District Youth Services and Sports department will facilitate the registration of ST youth on the MY Bharat (Mera Yuva Bharat) portal to encourage community engagement, experiential learning and participation in leadership and national development initiatives,” the meeting decided.
The 15-day activities will culminate on November 15, 2026, with a district-level mega event commemorating the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, the revered tribal freedom fighter.
The DDC called upon all officers and departments to work in close coordination, discharge their assigned responsibilities effectively and ensure the successful observance of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas 2026 across District Doda.
