Prof. Satyajit Majumdar spoke at a panel session during Van Dhan Conclave 2026 on “Sustainable Livelihoods for Tribal India”, alongside Sujay Dixit.
The discussion highlighted the importance of strengthening value chains, building capacities, and effectively deploying technology to enhance tribal livelihoods. While minor forest produce remains a key source of income for tribal communities, the panel emphasized that fostering an entrepreneurial mindset is essential for long-term sustainability.
A central theme was the thoughtful integration of modern technologies to generate economic, social, and environmental value. The panel also stressed that capacity-building efforts must align with the broader ecosystem rather than operate in isolation.
Importantly, development initiatives should not be imposed. Instead, they must evolve through active community participation, with the Gram Sabha identified as the most appropriate institution to anchor this process. The role of government, therefore, should shift from that of an inspector to a facilitator.
The session reinforced a critical perspective: tribal communities are not merely “beneficiaries” — they are key stakeholders in their own development journey.
