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Tribal Business Conclave 2025 Showcases India’s Tribal Entrepreneurship Renaissance – A Celebration of Innovation, Inclusion, and Indigenous Enterprise during Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh

Tribal Business Conclave 2025 Showcases India’s Tribal Entrepreneurship Renaissance – A Celebration of Innovation, Inclusion, and Indigenous Enterprise during Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh

The Tribal Business Conclave 2025 concluded today at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka, New Delhi, in the esteemed presence of Hon’ble Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Shri Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Union Minister of Tribal Affairs Shri Jual Oram, and Hon’ble Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Shri Durgadas Uikey, alongside senior officials from DPIIT, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, industry leaders, investors, and over 250 tribal entrepreneurs from across India.

The event was inaugurated by Hon’ble Minister of State Shri Durgadas Uikey, marking a significant step in advancing the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to make tribal communities equal partners in the nation’s growth journey. Organized jointly by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and the Ministry of Culture, the conclave marked a landmark moment during Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh, commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. The event was supported by FICCI as the Industry Partner and PRAYOGI Foundation as the Knowledge Partner, and TICCI as supporting partner.

The Conclave celebrated the resilience, creativity, and enterprise of India’s tribal communities—placing them at the core of the national vision for Viksit Bharat @2047. The event brought together 250 tribal enterprises, 150 exhibitors, and over 100 tribal startups, who showcased innovations at the “Roots to Rise” pitching platform—connecting directly with investors, corporates, and government buyers.

Highlights of the Conclave:

Knowledge Exchange: Six high-impact panel discussions and four masterclasses featured 50+ eminent speakers from government, academia, and industry on themes such as Investment & Partnerships, Skilling & Empowerment, Sustainability & Geographical Identity, and Branding & Market Innovation.

Buyer-Seller Meets: Enabled actionable pathways for market access, skill development, and policy inputs to strengthen tribal value chains—from the grassroots to global markets.

Cultural Showcase: Thematic pavilions and performances under “Tribal Bharat @2047: Sustaining Culture, Scaling Commerce” celebrated India’s vibrant tribal heritage.

Addressing the Conclave, Hon’ble Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Shri Piyush Goyal said:

“Bhagwan Birsa Munda inspires us to uplift every tribal household. We’re empowering entrepreneurs through 3,900 Van Dhan Kendras supporting 12 lakh livelihoods, increased budgets, ₹24,000 crore for PM JANMAN Yojana, and reduced GI tag fees to ₹1,000. Our aim is ‘Local Goes Global’ — as tribal communities rise, so does India.”

Hon’ble Union Minister of Tribal Affairs Shri Jual Oram stated:

“Our tribal regions hold immense potential in mahua, sal seeds, handicrafts, and forest products. Tribal communities are custodians of natural wealth and wisdom. This conclave demonstrates our resolve to turn that potential into prosperity, ensuring that tribal growth becomes an integral part of India’s development story.”

Hon’ble Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Shri Durgadas Uikey, in his inaugural address, highlighted:

“This Conclave reflects the commitment of the Government to bring tribal entrepreneurs to the national mainstream. By empowering them with knowledge, capital, and technology, we are creating pathways for self-reliance, dignity, and long-term prosperity.”

Key Announcements at the Conclave:

1. Launch of Gramya Yuva Arth Niti (GYAN) Lab:

A Public Policy Interactive Lab, developed by the Ashank Desai School of Public Policy, IIT Bombay, and PRAYOGI Foundation, with support from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The GYAN Lab integrates field experience, technology, and policy innovation to design and test models for tribal and rural enterprises.

It will pilot initiatives such as the Tribal Entrepreneurship Index and micro-equity-based incubation models, translating field learning into policy action. This collaboration among government, academia, and industry marks a major step toward inclusive enterprise growth and innovation.

2. Tribal Affairs Grand Challenge:

Announced by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs in association with Startup India and DPIIT, this challenge invites startups and enterprises to design high-impact, scalable solutions for tribal communities—offering mentorship, visibility, and funding support.

3. “Roots to Rise” Pitching Session Outcomes:

These enterprises collectively created 1,500 direct and 10,000+ indirect jobs, benefitting over 20,000 tribal individuals across sectors.

4. Enhanced Market Access via Government e-Marketplace (GeM):

Over 60 new registrations and 50+ positive inquiries were recorded for Tribal Business Conclave products.

5. Distribution of Geographical Indication (GI) Certificates:

GI recognition was conferred on tribal crafts and products including Kannadippaya (Kerala), Apatani Textile (Arunachal Pradesh), Marthandam Honey (Tamil Nadu), Lepcha Tungbuk (Sikkim), Bodo Aronai (Assam), Ambaji White Marble (Gujarat), and Bedu & Badri Cow Ghee (Uttarakhand). This marks a crucial step toward enhancing brand value and global visibility for tribal artisans while preserving India’s indigenous heritage.

Toward a Tribal Enterprise Revolution

The Tribal Business Conclave 2025 is not just an event—it is a national mission to transform heritage into enterprise, skills into industries, and communities into catalysts of growth. By bridging innovation, investment, and inclusion, and introducing transformative initiatives like the GYAN Lab and Tribal Affairs Grand Challenge, the Conclave has laid the foundation for a future where tribal entrepreneurship drives sustainable livelihoods and shared prosperity.

This landmark initiative reaffirms India’s commitment to Viksit Bharat @2047, ensuring that tribal voices, creativity, and innovation shape the nation’s journey toward an equitable, inclusive, and globally competitive economy.

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