Union Minister Arjun Munda Visits Medaram Jatara, Telangana

Union Minister Arjun Munda Visits Medaram Jatara, Telangana

Visit of Union Minister for Tribal Affairs and Agriculture to Medaram Jatara

  • Date and Location: February 24, 2024; Medaram, Mulugu district, Telangana
  • Attendees: Shri Arjun Munda (Union Minister for Tribal Affairs and Agriculture), Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan (Governor of Telangana and Puducherry)

Overview of Medaram Jatara

  • Importance: Second-largest fair in India, celebrated by the Koya tribe
  • Duration: February 21-24, 2024
  • Collaboration: Organized in collaboration with the Tribal Welfare Department, Government of Telangana

Observations and Remarks by Shri Arjun Munda

  • Described the intense spiritual joy and vibrant atmosphere of Medaram Jatara
  • Offered prayers to the deities of Sammakka-Saralamma for the well-being and prosperity of the country
  • Highlighted the festival as the biggest among tribal people, symbolizing ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’

Funding and Activities

  • Funding: Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs sanctioned Rs. 2.30 crores for Medaram Jatara 2024
  • Activities:
    • Promotion of Medaram tribal culture and heritage
    • Documentary on Medaram Jatara
    • Exhibition-cum-sale of tribal arts, crafts, and cuisine
    • National Tribal Dance festival
    • Strengthening of Tribal and Tribal homestays
    • Competitions for tribal youth and students
  • Previous Support: Declared a State Festival in 1996; received funding from the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs in 2018, 2020, and 2022

Significance and Impact

  • Aims to create awareness and peaceful relationships between guests and Telangana tribal groups
  • Facilitates global communication of tribal history and preservation of tribal traditions, culture, and heritage

Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):

  1. Who visited the Sammakka-Saralamma Maha Jatara in Medaram, Telangana?
    • A) Shri Arjun Munda
    • B) Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan
    • C) Both A and B
    • D) None of the above
    • Answer: C) Both A and B
  2. What is the duration of the Medaram Jatara celebrated in 2024?
    • A) February 21-24
    • B) March 5-8
    • C) April 15-18
    • D) January 10-13
    • Answer: A) February 21-24
  3. Which department collaborated in organizing the Medaram Jatara 2024?
    • A) Ministry of Agriculture
    • B) Ministry of Tribal Affairs
    • C) Ministry of Culture
    • D) Ministry of Environment
    • Answer: B) Ministry of Tribal Affairs
  4. What activity was NOT mentioned as part of the Medaram Jatara 2024?
    • A) Exhibition-cum-sale of tribal arts
    • B) National Tribal Dance festival
    • C) Rock concert
    • D) Strengthening of Tribal homestays
    • Answer: C) Rock concert
  5. When was the Medaram Jatara declared a State Festival?
    • A) 2005
    • B) 1996
    • C) 2010
    • D) 1988
    • Answer: B) 1996