The word Adivasi was used for the first time to refer to the tribal people by

1. The term 'Adivasi' (literally meaning 'original inhabitants') gained prominence as a term to refer to the tribal people of India. 2. It was popularized and used extensively by the social worker Amritlal Vithaldas Thakkar, widely known as Thakkar Bappa. 3. Thakkar Bappa dedicated his life to the upliftment of tribal communities and founded organizations like the Bhil Seva Mandal. 4. While others like Mahatma Gandhi, Jyotiba Phule, and B.R. Ambedkar worked for marginalized communities, Thakkar Bappa is specifically credited with using and popularizing the term 'Adivasi' in the context of tribal rights and identity.