Gadchiroli Feb. 19 (District Correspondent) Well known Gondi Dharma activist and District President of Gondwana Gantantra Party Maniravan Dugga passed away after a short illness early this morning. He was 65.
Mr. Dugga was keeping unwell for the last few months and was undergoing treatment at his residence but breathed his last at around 3 -00 this morning. His funeral will take place at his native place Pusawandi in Dhanora taluka this afternoon. He leaves behind two sons and large family to morn his death.
Mr. Dugga was a teacher by profession but was a social worker by nature. He had a deep study of tribal culture and literature. He had authored a book in Gondi language and was always working for the propagation of Gondi Dharma.
Mr. Dugga had founded Pahandi Paro Gondi Dharma Prachar Mahasangha few years back and was doing the work of propagating the Gondi Dharma in rural and remote areas. He started the practice of worshipping Ravana in the district which became quite popular among the tribal community and the programmes of Ravana puja were organized throughout the district and adjoining tribal areas.
Being the district head of Gondwana Gantantra Party, Mr. Dugga organized various rallies in tribal areas and brought forward the issues of the tribals.
A pall of gloom has descended among the tribal community over the death of Mr. Dugga and many leaders in the district have expressed grief over this sad demise.
