Gadchiroli Oct. 9 (District Correspondent) Noted tribal litterateur and activist Kusum Alam was honoured with ‘Adishakti’ award by the Tribal Development Department recently in a programme held at Nagpur for her contribution in the tribal development and literature.
Ms. Alam, who has participated in an international tribal meet and has been quite active in social work was presented shawl, coconut, certificate and memento at the hands of Ms. Mayatai Iwnate, member of National Commission for Scheduled Tribes.
Mr. Ravindra Thakre, Tribal Commissioner, presided over the programme. Ms. Babita Giri, Assistant Commissioner, Caste Verification, Prof. Sumitratai Tekam, Sandhyatai Kilnake, Doordarshan Engineer, Rekhatai Jugnake, Girijatai Uike, Shantatai Kumre, ZP councillor were prominently present as the chief guests.
Speaking on the occasion Mr. Thakre said it is a matter of pride that the tribal women are doing their work fearlessly even in very adverse conditions. To encourage such women this programme was organized. The women activists should carry on their work of social awareness, he appealed.
Replying the felicitation Ms. Alam recalled the contribution of the tribal heroes in the Indian freedom struggle and said that ninety percent of women in the tribal society are still malnourished. The government needs to do special work for their education, economic, social and political status.
The women activists from many districts in Nagpur division were also given the awards in this programme. The women activists thanked the Tribal Development Department for organizing such a program for the ‘first time in the history of the department’.
Photo Ms. Kusum Alam being felicitated.
