Every compassionate effort brings new hope, dignity, and lasting change to tribal communities. As we move through the early months of 2026, India Tribal Care Trust continues its mission of nurturing tribal lives across the country — from constructing new schools and hostels to celebrating sacred festivals and inaugurating historic cultural centres. This March edition of our newsletter brings you stories from the field that reflect the breadth, depth, and heartfelt dedication of ITCT's work.
A New Educational Initiative — School Construction at Madapada, Jhargram
In the remote village of Madapada in the Jhargram district of West Bengal, an important step is being taken to support children from extremely underprivileged tribal communities. With the support of India Tribal Care Trust, the construction of a new school is currently underway to provide education and care for children belonging primarily to the Santal tribal community.
The region is known for its economic challenges, where access to proper educational facilities remains limited for many families. At present, around 10 tribal students are staying in a fully residential hostel, where their education, accommodation, and basic needs are being completely supported by ITCT. The hostel has been designed with essential facilities to provide a safe and nurturing environment where children can focus on their studies and personal development.
As the construction progresses, the vision is to gradually develop this initiative into a fully functional Bhakti-based school, where students will receive academic education along with spiritual and value-based learning. Through this initiative, ITCT hopes to create a space where children from marginalized tribal communities can grow with knowledge, confidence, and strong cultural and spiritual values — opening new possibilities for their future.
Nurturing Young Lives — Hostel at Phulkusuma, Bankura
In the village of Phulkusuma in the Bankura district of West Bengal, an ashram hostel is providing a supportive and caring environment for tribal children to continue their education and personal development. With the support of India Tribal Care Trust, around 30 students are currently residing in the ashram hostel, known as the Bhaktisiddhanta Tribal Hostel (Gurukul).
These children attend a nearby government school, where they receive their formal academic education free of cost. At the ashram, the students are provided with complete residential facilities, including accommodation, meals, and daily care, ensuring that they can focus on their studies in a stable and nurturing environment.
Along with their academic pursuits, the children also receive spiritual and value-based education as part of their daily routine. Their day begins with Mangala Aarti, followed by participation in devotional and spiritual activities that help cultivate discipline, devotion, and strong moral values. Through this balanced approach of education, care, and spiritual guidance, the initiative aims to support the holistic development of these young students, helping them grow with knowledge, character, and a sense of purpose for the future.
A Sacred Space for Devotion — New Prayer Hall at Alipurduar, West Bengal
In the tribal region of Alipurduar in West Bengal, a new prayer hall is being developed to serve as a spiritual gathering space for the local community. This initiative, supported by India Tribal Care Trust, has been generously sponsored by the devotees of the Avataridesh Yatra.
The temple already serves as a centre of spiritual life for the surrounding tribal community, where devotees gather daily to participate in devotional activities. The day begins with Mangala Aarti, followed by regular temple programs, creating an atmosphere of devotion, prayer, and spiritual learning for the community's members.
The construction of the new prayer hall will provide a larger and more comfortable space where people can come together for kirtans, spiritual gatherings, and devotional programs. It will help strengthen the spiritual life of the tribal community and create a welcoming environment for everyone who wishes to participate in the temple's activities. Through initiatives like this, ITCT continues to support tribal communities not only through education and welfare but also by nurturing spiritual growth and devotional culture among the people.
Strengthening the Foundation — Boundary Wall and Road Development at BVNS School, Labri, Jharkhand
At Labri in the state of Jharkhand, an important development is taking place to support the growing educational initiatives connected with Bhaktivedanta National School (BVNS). With the encouragement and support of India Tribal Care Trust, efforts are underway to develop the infrastructure that will help serve tribal children in the region more effectively.
At present, around 60 to 70 tribal students are receiving education through this initiative. To ensure that their learning continues smoothly without interruptions, a local tribal well-wisher from the area generously offered a piece of land to support the project. This act of generosity has laid a strong foundation for the school's long-term development.
A boundary wall has now been constructed around the donated land, creating a secure space for future development. In addition, work is also being undertaken to improve road access to the site, which will make it easier for students, teachers, and visitors to reach the facility. Looking ahead, this space is envisioned to gradually develop into a full-fledged school and hostel facility, providing tribal children with a stable environment for education, care, and value-based learning. Through such initiatives, ITCT continues to support the aspirations of tribal communities by strengthening educational opportunities in remote regions.
Celebrating Divine Grace — Gaura Purnima Festival in the Tribal Region near Dhanbad
The sacred festival of Gaura Purnima, which marks the divine appearance of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, was joyfully celebrated in a tribal village near Dhanbad, bringing together members of the local community in a vibrant atmosphere of devotion and spiritual celebration.
Devotees and tribal community members gathered at the local temple from early morning to participate in the auspicious programs. The celebrations included Mangala Aarti, devotional kirtans and sankirtan, and a special abhishek ceremony offered to the Lord with great devotion. The atmosphere was filled with joyful chanting of the holy names and heartfelt prayers.
Spiritual discourses were also shared during the festival, where the teachings and life of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu were discussed, inspiring the community to deepen their connection with devotional practices and spiritual values. The celebrations concluded with the distribution of prasadam, where devotees and villagers came together to honor sanctified food in a spirit of unity and gratitude. Such gatherings help strengthen the spiritual life of the community while bringing people together in joy, devotion, and shared cultural heritage.
A Historic Milestone — Inauguration of Sri Sri Jagannath Centre for Tribal Care and Research at Luhasur, Baksa, Assam
A significant spiritual and cultural milestone was marked in Luhasur Village, Baksa district, Assam, with the grand Inauguration and Bhumi Pujan Ceremony of the Sri Sri Jagannath Centre for Tribal Care and Research Complex — an initiative of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) dedicated to the upliftment and preservation of tribal communities.
The ceremony was attended by Hagrama Mohilary, Hon'ble Chief of the Bodoland Territorial Council, along with respected MCLAs, senior devotees, distinguished dignitaries, and leaders of ISKCON. Devotees from different parts of Assam, along with international guests from Bulgaria and Denmark, gathered to witness this historic occasion.
On this auspicious day, another landmark moment took place with the official release of the Bodo-language edition of Bhagavad Gita As It Is, making the timeless teachings of the Bhagavad Gita accessible to the Bodo-speaking community for the first time. This important initiative will help bring the wisdom of Vedic knowledge closer to the local tribal population.
The upcoming complex is envisioned as a dynamic centre that will serve multiple purposes for the community. The project will include a grand temple, facilities for value-based education, youth training and community development, a gaushala dedicated to cow protection, and a research centre focused on tribal communities and the preservation of cultural heritage. It will also promote employment opportunities and serve as a hub for spiritual gatherings and social initiatives.
More than just a temple, this integrated project represents a long-term vision for the spiritual, cultural, and educational empowerment of tribal communities in the region. Through such initiatives, ISKCON continues its mission of spreading spiritual knowledge while supporting the cultural heritage and holistic development of tribal societies.
