Grand Celebration of World Tribal Day Held at Patialpada

Sinapali, Nuapada: World Tribal Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and grandeur at the Market Complex in Patialpada village under Gorla Gram Panchayat of Sinapali block in Nuapada district on Saturday. Marking the significance of the occasion, hundreds of tribal men and women dressed in their traditional attire participated in a colourful procession carrying traditional weapons such as axes, bows and arrows. Accompanied by traditional musical groups, Ghanta Dal and Sankirtan Dal, the participants danced and sang as the procession began from Gorla Basti and proceeded towards the Market Complex at Patialpada. Following the procession, a public meeting was organised under the leadership of Smt. Ramakanti Majhi, the president of the programme. Lokendra Prasad Majhi conducted the meeting and welcomed the guests and participants. The chief guest, Rushyashrunga Majhi, organiser of the World Tribal Day programme, member of the Adivasi Yuva Shakti Sangathan Odisha and Nuapada district coordinator, called for greater unity among tribal youth. He urged the formation of tribal organisations at every block and panchayat level across Nuapada district to strengthen the collective voice and development of the tribal community. Hrudananda Majhi, retired Tehsildar, attended the programme as the chief speaker. Social worker Smt. Yajnaseni Majhi was present as a distinguished guest. Among the other guests and dignitaries present on the dais were Smt. Ramakanta Majhi, Smt. Ambika Majhi, Gokul Chandra Majhi, Manohar Majhi, Omkar Sori, Jagadish Chinda, Rikhiram Majhi, Birbal Chinda, Hemanta Chinda, Swaraj News correspondent Jhankeshwar Bandichhor and Dilip Kumar Majhi. During the meeting, several important issues concerning the welfare and development of the tribal community were discussed. The participants demanded that August 9, World Tribal Day, be declared a government holiday in Odisha. Discussions were also held on the collective development of the tribal society, empowerment of tribal women, economic advancement, improvement in education and preservation of constitutional rights. Speakers stressed the need to protect and promote the rich tribal culture, traditions and identity while ensuring that the community remains aware of its constitutional rights and opportunities for development. The programme also witnessed a vibrant cultural presentation by girl students of Armela Government Primary School, who performed a traditional tribal dance and won appreciation from the audience. Government employees from the Gorla area extended their cooperation towards the successful organisation of the event. A large number of tribal people from different parts of the Sinapali region participated in the celebration, making the occasion a memorable and successful one. Sinapali Police Station IIC Maheshwar Panigrahi, along with other police personnel, also attended the programme. The tribal association felicitated the police team for their presence and cooperation. With the support of the police personnel, the entire programme was conducted peacefully and in an orderly manner. The celebration concluded with a renewed call for tribal unity, empowerment, educational progress, economic development and preservation of indigenous culture and traditions.