New Delhi, March 28 (IANS): Appreciating gender behaviour and relations in tribal communities, President Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday said that "there is a lot to learn from them".

"The gender behaviour and relations in tribal communities, and the respect and honour accorded to tribal women in their societies holds significant lessons for us. We must also learn from the manner in which the tribal societies have retained, nurtured and developed their contact with nature," he said in statement here.

Interacting with a group of young participants in the 7th Tribal Youth Exchange Programme at Rashtrapati Bhavan, he said that the notion of tribal welfare is not just about development of tribal communities through economic progress but a larger concept of lifestyle that fosters holistic living.

The challenge in preparing any policy for tribal upliftment exists even now as the policy makers have to strike the right balance between preservation of tribal identity with their distinct culture and values, while ensuring their access to mainstream education, health care and income generating opportunities, the president said.

Mukherjee also said that the 73rd amendment to the Constitution bestowed special powers to the 'gram sabha' on decision-making and self-governance matters in tribal villages and hamlets.

"This has provided an impetus for protection of rights and enhancement of welfare of the tribals. At this point of time, when the country is marching forward in unity, it is absolutely essential that we ensure all segments of society to participate in and benefit from inclusive and equitable growth," he added.