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Ahmedabad, Nov 13 (IANS) Many tribal communities are eagerly waiting for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is scheduled to visit Dediapada in Gujarat’s Narmada district on November 15 to preside over the national celebrations of the 150th birth anniversary of great tribal leader and freedom fighter Birsa Munda.
Officially named as “Tribal Pride Day” by the Prime Minister, the day will witness a grand public gathering where PM Modi will address thousands of tribal community members, highlighting the central government’s commitment to their empowerment and regional progress.
The visit holds deep personal and historical significance for Prime Minister Modi, who will begin his day by offering prayers at the iconic Yaha Mogi Devmogra Dham in Devmogra village, located about 30 km from Dediapada.
PM Modi’s association with the temple dates back to 2003, when, soon after becoming Gujarat chief minister, he spent three days in the district to understand the local challenges, local MP Mansukh Vasava said.
During that visit, PM Modi offered prayers at the forest-consecrated temple, where the priest reportedly blessed him to one day become the country’s greatest leader – a prophecy that many now see as being fulfilled.
As the Prime Minister returns to the same holy site after more than two decades, the temple administration is preparing for a warm welcome amid local enthusiasm.
Bharat Kumar Verma, a local resident, said Narmada district, once one of the most backward regions of Gujarat, has undergone a remarkable transformation under the leadership of PM Modi, first as chief minister and now as prime minister.
The region, home to the world’s tallest statue – the Statue of Unity – honoring Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and the expanded Sardar Sarovar Dam, has emerged as a symbol of development and self-reliance, he said.
The dam serves as the lifeline of Gujarat, irrigating vast agricultural lands and supplying water to the entire state.
Tribal families have been given legal rights over forest land under the Van Bandhu Kalyan Yojana, a welfare scheme launched by PM Modi in 2003 for the upliftment of indigenous communities.
Sonji Bhai Vasava, a local resident, said the district now has a dedicated tribal university, several schools of excellence, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana housing units, world-class road connectivity and round-the-clock power supply.
During PM Modi’s tenure as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, the district witnessed a profound transformation as land rights were given to tribals and there was a remarkable change in education.
A shining example of this is Khokhra Umber Primary School, where 80 students are currently enrolled and taught by 10 dedicated teachers.
When PM Modi was the Chief Minister of Gujarat, he personally visited tribal areas, lived among the people and appealed to them to send their daughters to school, an effort whose impact is evident today as children from every village now attend classes regularly.
Local resident Sonji Bhai Vasava says that his school provides not only education but also food, uniform and guidance for the future to 80 students.
Sandeep Vasava, a teacher at Khokhra Umber Primary School, says that in the last five to seven years, Narmada district has seen substantial progress in education, with education now reaching every child.
Narmada’s District Primary Education Officer Nishant Dabe expresses the same sentiment on the progress made in this area.
These initiatives have infused new hope and prosperity into the lives of local residents, especially the tribal population, who are welcoming the arrival of Prime Minister Modi with traditional enthusiasm – playing drums, exchanging red rice and decorating villages in celebration.
In Devmogra, the once isolated Yaha Mogi Devmogra Dham has evolved from a simple forest temple surrounded by slums to a major spiritual and tourist destination.
With 24-hour electricity, better infrastructure and inclusion in the Gujarat tourism circuit, the temple now attracts increasing numbers of pilgrims and visitors.
Local residents credit the continuous development campaigns led by PM Modi for this change and express hope that his visit will accelerate further progress.
Adding a cultural touch to the welcome, a house just 100 meters from the helipad in Dediapada town has been decorated with exquisite Warli paintings created by local artist Bhumika Kothiya.
The artwork clearly captures the essence of tribal heritage – from ancient traditions to modern unity with nature – and stands as a heartfelt tribute from the community.
Incidentally, the painted house is associated with the Prime Minister’s Housing Programme, making the gesture even more symbolic.
Administrative officials have stepped up preparations across the district to ensure seamless coordination for the high-profile visit.
The Prime Minister’s address at the Tribal Pride Day event is expected to outline a new approach to tribal welfare and inclusive development, which will reinforce the message that development reaches the last mile only when it uplifts the most marginalized.
–IANS
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