Bhopal, Mar 21: In order to make the new generation aware of invaluable contribution and sacrifices made by distinguished personalities belonging to tribal society and propagating tribal culture, art and skills, the state government on Friday instituted national and state level awards.

The three national honours - Rani Durgawati, Thakkar Bapa and Veer Shankar Shah-Raghunath Shah awards would carry an amount of Rs two lakh each while the winners of the lone state-level award would be given away Rs one lakh. Entries for these awards have been invited by April 30.

Rani Durgawati Samman would be bestowed on a tribal lady for her invaluable contribution and unparalleled achievements in tribal and traditional creative arts, sculpture, social service and administration. 'Veer Shankar Shah-Raghunath Shah Samman would be given away to those individuals/organisations who have been making contribution since long through their excellent writings/paintings in highlighting beauty, traditions and specialities of tribal life.

The Thakkar Bapa Samman would be bestowed on the individuals/organisations who have been creating a sense of mutual love, fraternity and equality and have been rendering welfare services since long among the tribal community which is poor, repressed and backward in all respects. The state-level Jananayak Tatya Bhil Samman would be given to a tribal youth for excellent performance in education and sports arenas.

Entries have been invited for these awards from all over India from individuals and organisations. Desirous person and organisation can send the entry with complete introduction and details of achievements by April 30, to Managing Director, Vanya, Tribal Welfare Department, Government of Madhya Pradesh, Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan, 35 Shyamla Hills, Bhopal, MP-462002.