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Ahmedabad, Nov 15 (IANS) Tribal communities in Gujarat’s Narmada are preparing to give a warm welcome to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is scheduled to arrive in the city on Saturday to preside over the national celebrations of the 150th birth anniversary of renowned tribal leader and freedom fighter Birsa Munda in Dediapada.
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.
Speaking to IANS, a woman who had come to attend the Prime Minister’s event said, “Today is the 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda. PM Modi is coming to celebrate this special day. Though we have seen him many times on TV, today we will see him in person. We are here to see him live as the tribal residents of Dediapada have made extensive preparations.”
He said, “His visit gives us hope that there will be development and for that reason, we welcome him. We hope that we, the tribal community, will also see the same progress that the rest of the state has experienced.”
Many presentations are also prepared for the occasion.
“We have come here after preparing our tribal dance and we will present it to welcome the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister is coming, so our preparations are in full swing and we are very excited to welcome him,” an artiste told IANS.
Speaking to IANS, another artiste said, “We are attending PM Modi’s event. We are doing a road show for his event. The tribal fair attendees and others are enjoying it, which feels great. We are going to do the Dangi dance.”
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.
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 Kothia.
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 people.
–IANS
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