In the past eight years, there has been a massive increase in budget allocation for projects linked to welfare and progress of tribal communities. Guided by its oath of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas’, the Modi government has taken umpteen initiatives to fulfil the aspirations and hopes of the tribal population. The transformation of our tribal communities started by Vajpayee has been taken forward by PM Narendra Modi. In 1999 Vajpayee created a separate Ministry of Tribal Affairs for empowerment and development of our tribal society which was followed by the formation of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes through 89th Constitutional Amendment in 2003. It was under the leadership of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee that the first serious steps were taken to fulfil the aspirations of our tribal society. No efforts were made to bring them to the national mainstream by ensuring their social and economic growth, while they also remained devoid of proper political representation. But the sad truth is that post-Independence, no government took concrete steps for the development and upliftment of our tribal communities. Their struggles and sacrifices in our freedom struggle are invaluable and unforgettable. India’s tribal population comprises 9% of our demography. It marks yet another victory for our democracy and our Constitution. The nation waited for 70 long years to see a tribal woman reach the highest office of the land. Her elevation as ‘First Citizen’ is a matter of great joy and contentment for the entire country, more so for the tribal community. Her remarkable journey from Odisha’s poor tribal background, that too from the most backward Santhali community, to the highest constitutional position is marked by her struggles, grit and determination. The election of Droupadi Murmu as the President of India is historic for our democracy.