Dharti Aaba TribePreneurs 2025
Context:
Recently, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) under Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh, launched Dharti Aaba TribePreneurs. The initiative was launched to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
- The initiative is a part of Startup Mahakumbh 2025 from April 3-5, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
Relevance:
GS-02 (Government policies and interventions)
About Dharti Aaba TribePreneurs 2025:
- Objective of the program:
- To empower ST entrepreneurs by providing access to industry leaders, venture capitalists, and impact investors.
- Promotes tribal entrepreneurship, innovation, and self-reliance in line with Atma Nirbhar Bharat.
- Support for Tribal Startups:
- 45+ tribal startups to showcase innovations, including those incubated at IIM Calcutta, IIM Kashipur, and IIT Bhilai.
- Opportunity to network with top investors, secure funding, and gain mentorship.
- Startups have already received funding from IFCI Venture Capital.
- Venture Capital Fund for ST Entrepreneurs:
- A ₹50 crore venture capital fund established for Scheduled Tribes to foster entrepreneurship and innovation.
- Boot Camps and Scholarships:
- 100 students from Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) to attend a special boot camp at IIT Delhi.
- 150 tribal students to receive scholarships for exposure to India’s startup ecosystem.
- 50 ST students from Unnat Bharat Abhiyan to interact with entrepreneurs and investors.
- Institutional Partnerships:
- MoTA collaborates with IIM Calcutta, IIT Delhi, IFCI Venture Capital Funds Limited, and industry associations for impactful support.
- Focus Areas:
- Promotes inclusive growth by empowering tribal entrepreneurs and youth.
- Aligns with self-reliant tribals and the Atma Nirbhar Bharat vision.
Who is Birsa Munda?
- Birsa Munda was born on November 15, 1875, in Ulihatu village of Khunti district.
- He was a freedom fighter, a tribal leader and a religious reformer as well.
- He belonged to the Munda tribe of the Chotanagapur plateau region of present-day Jharkhand.
- The Indian government declared November 15, the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, as ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas’ (Tribal Pride Day).
- Key highlights:
- Birsa Munda established the ‘Birsa Faith’ after rejecting British missionary education, inspiring tribals to resist religious conversions and reclaim their cultural identity.
- He led the Munda Rebellion (1899-1900) against the British’s colonial rule and exploitative landlords, demanding the restoration of tribal rights over land and forest resources.
- He opposed the zamindari system and forced labor (Bandhua Majdoori) imposed by the British, advocating for Munda Raj and tribal self-rule.
Prelims Question:
With reference to Dharti Aaba TribePreneurs 2025, consider the following statements:
- It is an initiative under Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh to commemorate Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary.
- A venture capital fund with a corpus of ₹50 crore has been set up for Scheduled Tribes.
- The initiative exclusively focuses on tribal students from IITs and IIMs.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: A) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: The initiative honors Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s 150th birth anniversary under Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh.
- Statement 2 is correct: A ₹50 crore venture capital fund has been established for ST entrepreneurs.
- Statement 3 is incorrect: The initiative is open to tribal entrepreneurs and students from various institutions.
