Representatives from across India gathered in New Delhi to spotlight unresolved land issues, cultural rights, educational gaps, and demand uniform national recognition for all Banjara sub-groups.
New Delhi, 29 November 2025
A nationwide call for justice and recognition echoed in the capital today as Banjara Bharat and the newly formed Akhil Bharatiya Banjara Maha Seva Sangh unveiled the national poster for the “Hello Banjara – Chalo Dilli / Delhi Aao Banjara – Bajao Nangara” campaign. The event saw participation from Banjara leaders and delegates from several states, united in raising long-overlooked socio-economic and cultural concerns before the central government.
Addressing the gathering, former MP and Patron–Chairman of Banjara Bharat, Ravindra Naik, highlighted that even after nearly 80 years of India’s independence, thousands of Banjara Tandas, Naglas and Deras continue to be deprived of essential services—clean drinking water, proper roads, electricity, healthcare, and education. He emphasised that although the community shares a rich cultural and linguistic identity, its classification varies from state to state, placing it under SC, ST, OBC or VJNT categories, leading to inconsistency and marginalisation. Despite having a sizeable footprint across nearly 200 parliamentary and 1,000 assembly constituencies, the community remains underrepresented politically and socially.
A major highlight of the event was the remembrance of Lakki Shah Banjara, whose once 350-acre Tanda corresponds to the present-day Raisina Hills—the seat of Rashtrapati Bhavan, Parliament House and key national institutions. Speakers reiterated the long-pending demand for settlement of the remaining land compensation, noting that only a fraction of the land was ever officially compensated.
Community leaders also urged the preservation and recognition of key Banjara-linked heritage sites across India, including Lohagarh in Haryana, Mangarh in Rajasthan, Lakhi Sarai in Bihar, Mathura–Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh, Sagar Lakki Shah Lake in Madhya Pradesh, Banjara Hills and Golconda Gate in Telangana, Baba Hathiram Math in Tirupati, and Tamil Nadu’s Kadambur Hills.
Central to the collective demand was the request to include Banjara/Gor Boli in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, reinforcing the resolution already passed by the Telangana Assembly. The community further sought uniform national recognition for all 16 Banjara sub-groups, advocating a unified status under the slogan “One Nation, One Banjara” to end disparity in their constitutional categorisation across states.
The organisations called for the creation of a National Banjara Tanda–Nagla–Dera Development Board to ensure equitable access to basic amenities for Banjara settlements nationwide. They also proposed establishing a National Banjara Museum and National Banjara University in Delhi and Hyderabad to promote cultural preservation and academic research.
Concerns were also raised about the challenges faced by itinerant Banjara youth engaged in hawking and small-scale trade in cities. Leaders demanded official identity cards and structured protection to prevent harassment and ensure livelihood security.
Recognising the low literacy rate among Banjara women, the community pressed for the creation of Banjara Women’s Residential Schools in 200 districts across India. Other major recommendations included naming key NCR roads after Banjara icons, forming a National Banjara Research and Development Commission, installing statues of Lakki Shah Banjara and Makkan Shah Lubana in the Parliament complex, naming a national train “Banjara Bharat Rail,” and establishing a Banjara Regiment to honour the community’s warrior heritage.
The programme concluded with a strong appeal for unity and continued mobilisation, urging the Union Government to address the long-standing historical, cultural and developmental issues affecting the Banjara community without further delay.
