Jagadalpur, Oct 23: President Droupadi Murmu on Friday said she shares a deep, personal connection with tribal culture and traditions, proudly identifying herself as the daughter of a village head and tracing her lineage directly to indigenous roots.

Addressing the historic Muria Darbar as part of the Bastar Dussehra celebrations in Chhattisgarh, President Murmu stated that her grandfather, father, and brothers served as Manjhis. She emphasized that the traditional governance systems of indigenous communities stand as an exemplary model of social unity, justice, mutual cooperation, and grassroots self-governance.

“While governance structures, policies, and laws evolve over time, the tribal community has preserved its traditions, social norms, and unwritten constitution across generations,” President Murmu said. She added that this enduring framework serves as a vital foundation for maintaining peace, love, harmony, and collectivism within society, operating independently of formal state statutes.

Detailing the traditional dispute-resolution mechanisms of the region, the President noted that village elders and Manjhis play a pivotal role in resolving family disputes, property disagreements, and community conflicts. When issues arise, local leaders gather community members to listen to all parties and seek amicable solutions through consensus rather than prolonged litigation. She highlighted that traditional institutions such as the peed pargana and desh pargana reflect the deep mutual trust and collective responsibility inherent in tribal society, where complex matters were deliberated for days until resolved.

Contrasting this with modern judicial processes, President Murmu observed that contemporary court cases often take decades and incur heavy financial and time costs. She urged community members to utilize traditional social systems and mutual dialogue to resolve disputes wherever appropriate under the law, preserving the heritage of the Muria Darbar for future generations.

The President also underscored the spiritual and ecological significance of tribal traditions, noting that community worship, seasonal festivals, and collective dance celebrations strengthen social bonds and cultural identity. She paid tribute to the historical struggles of indigenous communities in defending their rights, dignity, and existence against colonial and royal authorities.

Turning her focus to youth development, President Murmu urged tribal families to prioritize children’s education and embrace modern progress. She emphasized that development and cultural preservation are mutually complementary, encouraging the younger generation to pursue educational and professional advancement without severing ties with their cultural roots.

Governor Ramen Deka, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, Bastar Dussehra Committee President and MP Mahesh Kashyap, along with senior state officials, traditional leaders, and local representatives, attended the event.