Jaipur, Nov. 16 -- Rajasthan chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Saturday highlighted the rich legacy, resilience and cultural strength of the tribal community, saying they have for centuries preserved the values of nature, culture, courage and truth. Addressing the state-level Tribal Pride Day celebrations at Bhogilal Government College in Dungarpur on the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, he said that Rajasthan's tribal brothers and sisters form the most vibrant and spirited stream of the state's identity. Their history, he noted, is marked by struggle but even more by pride, as they taught the world how to live in balance with water, forests and land. Sharma said tribal dance forms carry within them the stories of generations, while their festivals reflect not just colours but the glow of their pride. He said the government is committed to preserving these traditions and presenting them proudly before the world. The chief minister also paid tributes to tribal icons such as Govind Guru, who led the Bhagat Movement from Mangarh hills, and 12-year-old Kalibai, who sacrificed her life to protect her teacher. Calling them not just names but living symbols of heritage, he said their sacrifices continue to inspire generations. Detailing the state government's efforts, the chief minister said that hostel mess allowances have been increased, 232 new Ma-Baadi centres established, and staff honorarium enhanced for two consecutive years. Free hybrid maize seeds have been distributed to more than 839,000 tribal farmers, and 236,000 minikits given to tribal cultivators in two years. The government has also set up 530 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras across nine districts, benefitting over 150,000 lakh women, while around 5,000 tribal youths have received skill development training. He highlighted the strong sports achievements of tribal youth, mentioning five gold and one bronze won at the 3rd National Lacrosse Championship and the international silver medal won by tribal girls at the Asian Championship. The chief minister also reflected on India's freedom movement, saying that icons from Birsa Munda to Subhas Chandra Bose and Sardar Patel drew strength from the spirit captured in "Vande Mataram", which also completes 150 years this year. He said Patel's unification of 562 princely states laid the foundation of India's integrity, and the same spirit today strengthens the vision of "Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat." Tribal area development minister Babulal Kharadi said many tribal heroes were never brought before the masses in mainstream history and praised PM Modi for institutionalising Tribal Pride Day in their honour. The chief minister inaugurated and laid foundation stones for development projects worth Rs.87 crore, including capacity expansion in schools and hostels, solar-powered irrigation systems, residential schools, sports academies and road projects. He also transferred Rs.200 crore through DBT for agricultural infrastructure and incentives for girl students, besides releasing Rs.4.08 crore to over 12,000 tribal students for uniforms and stationery. Beautification works at the Sitabari Temple complex were launched, along with a residential coaching programme for tribal students in Jaipur. Free skill training programmes for tribal youth at CIPET Jaipur and RS-CIT centres in Udaipur, Dungarpur and Banswara were also inaugurated....