NCST Chairman Calls for Stronger Empowerment of Tribal Youth at Chakma Yuva Samvad
In his keynote address, Arya highlighted the mandate and initiatives of the NCST in safeguarding the rights and promoting the welfare of Scheduled Tribes.
Bizu Festival celebrations in Delhi blend cultural pride with policy dialogue on education, skills and employment
New Delhi: Antar Singh Arya, chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST), called for intensified focus on education, skill development and employment generation to empower tribal youth, while addressing the “Chakma Yuva Samvad: Empowering Tribal Youth & Celebration of Bizu Festival” in the national capital.
The one-day programme, organised by Policy Samvad in collaboration with the Delhi Chakma Student Union (DCSU), brought together policymakers, community leaders and youth representatives to deliberate on issues of tribal empowerment, education and cultural preservation.
In his keynote address, Arya highlighted the mandate and initiatives of the NCST in safeguarding the rights and promoting the welfare of Scheduled Tribes. He urged tribal youth to actively participate in nation-building and take advantage of emerging opportunities for growth and development.
Nirupama Chakma, member, NCST, who attended as guest of honour, emphasised the importance of preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Chakma community while embracing modern development pathways.
Adding an international dimension, Mahishini Colonne, high commissioner of Sri Lanka to India, also attended as guest of honour and highlighted the broader cultural and regional significance of the Chakma community.
The event featured vibrant cultural performances celebrating the traditional Bizu Festival, symbolising unity, renewal and cultural pride among the Chakma people.
Technical sessions and panel discussions focused on education, skill development and employment opportunities for tribal youth and minority communities. Speakers including Gaurav Kumar, editor, Policy Samvad, Renu Chakma, officer (arts & culture), CADC, and Venish Chakma, advisor, DCSU and co-convenor of the Bizu Reh Bizu organising committee, discussed the need to bridge policy gaps, strengthen skill ecosystems and promote inclusive growth.
The programme concluded with a collective commitment to sustain dialogue, deepen policy engagement and advance community-driven initiatives for the holistic development of tribal communities.
