MP: Tribal Culture Finds a New Platform: Three Tribal Homestays Launched in Betul's Bajjarwada: Why people who had earlier migrated to cities are now returning to their villages
Betul: In a move aimed at giving a new identity to tourism in the tribal regions of Madhya Pradesh, three new tribal homestays have been launched in Bajjarwada village of Betul district. These homestays, established under the Tribal Tourism Project of the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, were inaugurated recently by the Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Durgadas Uikey.
This project is being implemented across five villages in the Betul and Chhindwara districts in collaboration between the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board and the organization 'Back to Village'. Its objective is to provide a sustainable source of income to tribal families—particularly those with small landholdings and those who are economically vulnerable—by leveraging their unique culture and traditional way of life.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by several public representatives, including Mohan Nagar (Vice-Chairman of the Madhya Pradesh Jan Abhiyan Parishad), Mangal Singh Dhurve (Member of the Scheduled Tribes Commission), and Ganga Uikey (MLA for Ghodadongri).
Durgadas Uikey stated that, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government is continuously implementing schemes for the upliftment of tribal communities. He remarked that tribal traditions are not merely cultural heritage but also represent a scientific approach to living a balanced life in harmony with nature.
Tribal lifestyle can serve as an inspiration for the entire world
Mohan Nagar observed that, in the current era of climate change, the tribal lifestyle—which remains closely connected to nature—can serve as an inspiration for the entire world. MLA Ganga Uikey advised the homestay operators to integrate local music, cuisine, and traditional activities into their tourism offerings. Mangal Singh Dhurve highlighted tribal food habits and customs as a crucial foundation for tourism development.
Project's distinctive feature
A distinctive feature of this project is that, in accordance with the directives of the Tourism Board, the ownership of all homestays has been vested in the name of a female member of the respective family. This initiative has provided rural women with an opportunity to become economically and socially empowered.
Many people who had earlier migrated to cities are now returning to their villages
Manish Kumar, the founder of the 'Back to Village' organization, stated that the organization's goal is to engage at least one member from every village family in this project. He noted that many individuals who had previously migrated to cities are now returning to their villages to assist in the management and operation of these homestays. At the conclusion of the program, Pawan Parte, President of the Prayas Village Tourism Committee, expressed his gratitude to the guests. He highlighted that no plastic was used during the event, which reflects the village's commitment to environmental conservation and responsible tourism.