Is the BJP Dismantling the 'Adivasis Not Hindu' Narrative and Integrating Indigenous People into Hindu Culture Through Education?

Udaipur, Rajasthan- In the wake of significant political shifts in Southern Rajasthan, particularly after the Bharat Adivasi Party's (BAP) electoral victories in the Banswara-Dungarpur Lok Sabha seat and the Bagidora Assembly seat, the BJP has intensified its efforts to reinforce its foothold in the region.  

The saffron party's strategy has increasingly focused on reshaping the narrative surrounding Adivasi communities, portraying them as integral to Hindu culture and seeking to integrate them into the mainstream Hindu fold.

The BJP's recent initiatives in Southern Rajasthan are part of a broader plan to consolidate its position and counter the growing influence of the BAP and its demand for a separate state of Bhil Pradesh. The BAP's advocacy for Adivasi rights and its assertion that Adivasis are distinct from mainstream Hindu culture have posed a challenge to the BJP. In response, the saffron party has embarked on a campaign to reshape Adivasi identity through political and cultural narratives.

The BJP's strategy involves presenting Adivasis as part of Hindu culture. This approach is evident in various initiatives aimed at portraying Adivasis as adherents of Hinduism rather than as distinct communities with their own cultural and spiritual practices. The party is leveraging educational reforms and cultural programs to reinforce this narrative among the younger generation.

Reframing Adivasi Identity

The BJP's strategy involves presenting Adivasis as part of Hindu culture. This approach is evident in various initiatives aimed at portraying Adivasis as adherents of Hinduism rather than as distinct communities with their own cultural and spiritual practices. The party is leveraging educational reforms and cultural programs to reinforce this narrative among the younger generation.

Cultural and Educational Initiatives

The BJP's efforts include introducing new curricula and cultural programs that emphasize Hindu elements in Adivasi traditions. This includes advocating for the removal of anthropological studies that highlight Adivasi distinctiveness and pushing for courses that align with the BJP's narrative of Adivasis as Hindus.

During a recent session of the Lok Sabha, Udaipur MP Dr. Mannalal Rawat made a series of noteworthy demands aimed at reshaping educational and cultural policies in India. He proposed the establishment of a Mining University in Mewar and a Gau (Cow) Vishwavidyalaya in Gogunda. The Mining University, according to Rawat, is crucial due to the region's rich mineral deposits, particularly in the Aravalli hills, which are home to significant zinc resources managed by the Vedanta Group. Rawat argued that a mining university could be set up in collaboration with this major corporate player, leveraging Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives to support its development.

Simultaneously, Rawat advocated for the creation of a Gau Vishwavidyalaya in Gogunda, named in honor of Gau Mata (the sacred cow), reflecting the cultural and spiritual reverence associated with the cow in Hindu society. He pointed out that while many universities exist in India, none specifically address the cultural significance of the cow, which is deeply embedded in societal values.

In addition to these proposals, Rawat emphasized the need for a Central Tribal University in Rajasthan to address the educational needs of tribal communities and provide a platform for the study of their unique cultures and histories. He argued that the current educational framework perpetuates colonial-era ideas and fails to accurately represent tribal identities. To address this, Rawat proposed the establishment of Tribal Study Centres in universities across the country. These centers would aim to counter the colonial legacy of division and misrepresentation by promoting a more nuanced and inclusive understanding of tribal cultures.

Furthermore, Rawat criticized the existing anthropology curriculum, which he claimed perpetuates divisions by portraying tribes as separate from mainstream Indian society. He called for the removal of this subject, arguing that it reflects a colonial conspiracy designed to create and maintain societal divisions. Instead, he proposed that university curricula should include courses reflecting the perspective that Adivasis are an integral part of Hindu culture, as articulated by Dr. G.S. Dhurve's course on "Adivasis are Hindus."

Rawat's demands represent a broader push to integrate tribal cultures into the mainstream narrative, reframe educational content, and recognize the cultural and economic contributions of these communities. By advocating for these reforms, Rawat seeks to bridge the gap between tribal and mainstream cultures, ensuring that educational institutions reflect and respect the diverse cultural landscape of India.

Rebuilding Party Strength

To address the widening rift and strengthen its position in Southern Rajasthan, the BJP has developed a new action plan, which includes:

Recent meetings between BJP leaders, including MP Mannalal Rawat and State President Madan Rathore, focused on revitalizing the party's presence in the tribal regions of Southern Rajasthan. The discussions emphasized a coordinated effort to restore BJP dominance in the area. Rawat said that the way BJP has once again emerged strong in Dhariawad and Aspur assembly constituencies in the Lok Sabha elections, the morale of the party workers has increased. If all the party officials and workers in this tribal region work together in coordination with each other, then once again the dominance of BJP will be established in the entire region.

Strategic Planning: Rathore has indicated that the party will prepare a new action plan to contest upcoming by-elections and strengthen its hold in tribal regions.

The BJP's strategy of cultural and educational reform, coupled with political maneuvers, represents a broader attempt to consolidate its position in a region where its influence has been challenged by emerging political forces. However, these efforts are met with skepticism and resistance from Adivasi communities who view them as an encroachment on their cultural autonomy.

Adivasis vs. Rajasthan's BJP Government: Disputed Events

1. Tribal Identity and DNA Testing

Education Minister Madan Dilawar, known for his strong RSS background, sparked controversy with remarks mocking newly elected tribal MP Rajkumar Roat from Banswara. Roat had asserted in an interview that tribals are distinct from Hindus due to their unique rituals, culture, and traditions. In response, Dilawar stated, "Whether they are Hindus or not will be asked from their forefathers. We will consult those who record genealogy and if they are not Hindus, then we will get their DNA tested to determine if they are their fathers' children."

Dilawar’s comments led to a significant backlash. MP Rajkumar Roat threatened to lead a campaign urging tribals to send their blood samples for DNA testing to Dilawar and Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma. Roat condemned Dilawar’s remarks as an insult to the tribal community and demanded an apology or resignation. The Congress Party also condemned Dilawar's statements, with Rajasthan Congress President Govind Singh Dotasra calling Dilawar "mentally ill" and criticizing the comments as a reflection of intellectual incompetence. In response to the outrage, including the burning of Dilawar's effigies, the submission of memorandums, and the sending of blood samples by youths, Dilawar was eventually forced to issue an apology.

2. Adivasi school teacher in Dungarpur suspended over 'Sindoor-MangalSutra' remark

 On July 24, Menka Damor, a secondary-grade teacher from Dungarpur, was suspended following her speech supporting the creation of ‘Bhil Pradesh’ during the Bhil Pradesh Cultural Rally held at Mangarh Dham on July 18.

Damor was stationed at the Government Higher Secondary School in Sadiya, located in the Simlawada Panchayat Committee, and has been reassigned to the headquarters office of the Block Education Officer - Dovada in Dungarpur district.

The official order cited violations of Rajasthan Conduct Rules and the degradation of the Education Department's image as grounds for her suspension and departmental investigation. The teacher has filed a petition at the Rajasthan High Court, Jodhpur challenging the government order.

3. Principal and 2 Teachers Face Action over 'Bhil Pradesh' song in Dungerpur school

On July 9, a video surfaced showing students reciting lines about Bhil Pradesh during a school prayer assembly. The video went viral, prompting an immediate administrative inquiry. The incident happened at Government Higher Secondary School Dolwar Upli in Dungarpur district.

A team confirmed the incident's authenticity, leading to show-cause notices for Principal Hariprakash Parmar and teachers Jagdish Roth and Jivaraj Damor.

Tribal Regional Development Minister intervened, ordering a thorough investigation. CDEO Ranchhod Lal Damor formed a committee to examine the incident, emphasizing adherence to government guidelines that restrict school prayers to those related to Saraswati Vandana and patriotism.

Following the investigation, Principal Parmar was reassigned to the Udaipur Director's Office, while Roth and Damor were given new roles within the educational framework.