The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has conceptualised the Meri Parampara – Meri Virasat initiative to document and digitally preserve the cultural heritage of tribal communities residing in Scheduled Areas.
What is Meri Parampara – Meri Virasat Initiative
Objective:
- It aims at comprehensive documentation and digital preservation of tribal heritage, including folk songs, festivals, worship practices, oral traditions, traditional art forms and customary governance systems
Implementation:
- It is being implemented in collaboration with State Governments and other stakeholders, reflecting a decentralised and participatory approach.
- Key focus is on preserving elements of traditional tribal governance structures, which are integral to the functioning of Panchayati Raj institutions in Scheduled Areas.
Launch:
- It was first launched by the Department of Panchayati Raj, Government of Jharkhand on 26 January 2025 under the theme “Hamari Parampara Hamari Virasat.”
- It sought to preserve and transmit to future generations the cultural heritage embedded in the traditional governance systems of Scheduled Tribe communities.
Expansion:
- Chhattisgarh became the second State to implement this initiative.
- It has 42 recognised Scheduled Tribes, including Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).