Gadchiroli June 8 (District correspondent) A statue of Rani Durgavati was unveiled at village Tartola in Kurkheda taluka at the hands of Prof. Vasantrao Purke, former minister the other day.
Ex-MP and senior congress leader Marotrao Kowase. Dr. Namdev Kirsan, Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee General Secretary, Ex-MLAs Dr. Namdeo Usendi, Anandrao Gedam, MLA Hariramji Warkhade, Ramakrishna Madavi, Congress Committee District President Mahendra Brahmanwade were prominently present as the chief guests.
At the outset, a huge procession was taken out in the village amidst the beating of drums and traditional tribal dance to welcome the guests. A portrait of Kupar Lingo, tribal deity was garlanded and Koya Punem flag was hoisted to mark the beginning of the programme.
The guests threw light on the life and heroic fight of Rani Durgavati mentioning her as the champion of bravery and called upon the people to emulate her ideals and heroism. They also appealed the tribal community to protect the tribal unique culture and fight against the injustice and exploitation being done to the community.
The senior officers belonging to the tribal community were felicitated on the occasion by presenting them shawl and bouquets at the hands of Prof. Vasantrao Purke. They included Nitaram Kumre, Sadaram Kumre, Sudhakarrao kulmethe, Ms. Parvatabai Taram and others.
Mr. Nitaram Uike made an introductory speech, Nandkishor Naitam conducted the programme and Ramesh Korcha proposed the vote of thanks.
Also present on the occasion were Mr. Vishwajitji Kowase, youth congress leader, Jayant Harde, Shalik Mankar, Rajendra Bulle, Nitesh Rathod, Dr. Kawle and dignitaries. A large number of tribals and villagers attended the programme.
Mr. Mansaram Katenge, Arun Taram, Rakesh Katenge, Sudhir Potavi, Baburao Narote and others took pains for the success of the programme.
Photo Prof. Vasantrao Purke, Marotrao Kowase and other dignitaries are seen during the unveiling of statue.
