Ranchi, Jan 24: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat emphasized the principle of “unity in diversity” during a closed-door meeting with tribal representatives in Ranchi on Saturday, according to a participant.
Bhagwat attentively heard concerns raised by the group, including religious conversions, shortcomings in PESA (Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas) rules, and issues related to delisting.
In his closing remarks, Bhagwat stated, “Indian tradition and dharma teach us unity in diversity. Paths may differ, but the destination remains the same. Indian dharma validates all paths—none are wrong. This is Sanatan, Hindu, and Bharatiya dharma,” shared Neesha Oraon, daughter of Congress MLA Rameshwar Oraon, who attended the event.
Oraon, a vocal critic of Jharkhand’s PESA rules, raised the matter directly with Bhagwat. “I pointed out that the rules omit customary laws and tribal social-religious practices, which are central to the Act. This gap will harm tribal communities and goes against their interests,” she told reporters.
Enacted in 1996 to recognize tribal rights in Scheduled Areas, the PESA Act saw Jharkhand notify its rules on January 2, following cabinet approval on December 23, 2025.
The five-hour session, starting at 10:30 am, included former chief ministers Arjun Munda and Champai Soren, ex-BJP chief Babulal Marandi, and other tribal leaders. Bhagwat, on a two-day Jharkhand visit, had met state Sangh leadership on Friday.
