Gadchiroli March 19 (District Correspondent) ‘Tribals are still meted out with injustice and exploitation. Deliberate efforts are being made to encroach upon and wipe of their ancient culture, religion and language. All the tribals should therefore come together and fight for safeguarding the tribal culture’.
This appeal was made by the state President of Gondwana Gantantra Party (GGP) Harish Uike while speaking as the chief guest at the ‘Penanjali’ (homage) programme organized by Gondi Dharma Mahasangha at village Paraswadi in Dhanora taluka on Sunday to pay homage to departed leader and founder of Gondi Dharma Mahasngha Maniravan Dugga.
Mr. Dhaniram Usendi, senior tribal leader, presided over the programme while Mr. Rohidas Raut, Vice President of All India Republican Party, Sadanand Taram of All India Adiwasi employees Federation, Ramesh Korcha, senior tribal researcher, Ms. Sunita Uike, Vice President, Rajesh Irpate, state chief of Youth GGP, Madhao Gota, tribal activist, Prashant Madavi, District Youth Chief of GGP, Prabhakar Yerme, Sandeep Warkhede, Nandkishor Naitam, Hansraj Undirwade, Charandas Pendam were prominently present.
Mr. Uike further said late Mr. Dugga worked for the propagation of Gondhi Dharma and culture. He worked as a mass teacher and reached the Gondi dharma movement all over the state. His movement was aimed at dignity and self-respect of the tribals. He devoted his entire life for the tribal movement. The movement of tribals self-respect needs to be carried forward and that will be the real homage to the departed leader, he stated.
Mr. Usendi said in his presidential speech that tribals have been facing various problems and their life has become quite difficult. There is a need of strong movement to fight against this and the youths should take initiative in this task by taking inspiration from the life of late Mr. Dugga.
The other guests also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the life and work of Dugga Sir and paid their condolences to the departed leader. At the outset a Gondi Dharma flag was hoisted at the hands of Mr. Prashant Madavi and traditional puja of the Gondi Dharma deities was performed by the Tribal Bhumiya. Ms. Lata Dugga, the widow of Maniravan Dugga was felicitated on the occasion by presenting her sari and bouquet at the hands of the guests.
Mr. Najukrao Jade made an introductory speech, Ganesh Halami conducted the programme and also proposed the vote of thanks. Also present on the occasion were Kowe Maharaj, Rajesh Tulavi, Shewanta Halami, Sukhlal Madavi, Dhaniram Madavi, Sheshrao Salame, Sudhakar Atram and others besides large number of tribals.
Vilas Dugga, Hiraman Tulavi, Amit Poretti, Rajendra Narote, Monika Poretti, Vadan Halami, Sanjay Jade and other workers of Gondi Dharma Mahasangha took pains for the success of the programme.
