Why in news?
During a visit to Gujarat’s Junagadh district on 10 October 2025, President Droupadi Murmu met members of the Siddi tribal community. She praised them for achieving a literacy rate of over 72 per cent and urged them to continue their education and make use of government welfare schemes.
Background
The Siddi community traces its roots to African sailors and soldiers who arrived on India’s west coast centuries ago. Over time they settled in Gujarat, Karnataka and a few other regions, preserving elements of their African heritage while adopting Indian customs. Today they are recognised as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) due to socio‑economic disadvantages.
President’s message
- Education as empowerment: President Murmu encouraged the community to view education as a key to economic and social mobility. She applauded their high literacy rate and urged them to inspire younger generations to study further.
- Aware of government schemes: She stressed that Siddi families should stay informed about central and state programmes for tribal welfare and help others access these benefits.
- Celebrating cultural identity: The President admired the community’s nature‑friendly lifestyle and emphasised that their participation is important for building an inclusive society that respects tribal traditions.
- Vision for 2047: Linking tribal rights with the goal of a developed India by 2047, she called for equality, justice and protection of tribal cultures.
Source: News On AIR