Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pune – The World Tribal Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm at the Late Ankushrao Landge Auditorium in Bhosari, Pimpri-Chinchwad, under the joint auspices of the Tribal Cultural Festival Committee, Pune, and the Pimpri-Chinchwad city, along with the entire Tribal Society Organization of Pune.
The event commenced with a floral tribute to the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, followed by a grand procession. The official inauguration of the program took place with tree planting and the worship of the idols of tribal leaders.
On this occasion, dignitaries from the social, educational, political, and administrative fields of the tribal community were honored. The Deputy Commissioner of Pune Municipal Corporation, Rajiv Nandkar, presided over the program, while Srikanth Kolhap, Assistant Commissioner of Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, served as the inaugurator, with Mukesh Kolhap and Srinivas Dangat, Assistant Commissioners of Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, as chief guests. The procession was inaugurated by Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation’s Joint Commissioner, Ashadevi Durgude, and Seeta Kirve, who has been honored with the Tribal Sevak Award. Special guests included Bhosari MLA Mahesh Dada Landge, former Pimpri-Chinchwad Ward President Bhausaheb Supe, former Pune Municipal Corporation Councilor Maruti Sangade, Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation Chairperson Usha Mundhe, Asha Supe, former Pune Municipal Corporation Councilor Rohini Chimthe, and Sangeeta Kengle.
The event saw a lot of enthusiasm for taking selfies with attendees dressed in traditional tribal attire. The dignitaries engaged in discussions aimed at raising awareness within the tribal community. This marked the ninth year of celebrating World Tribal Day. Renowned speaker Jagdish Ohole and national award-winning social worker Mahendra Purke enlightened the community, while the Adim Kala Prabodhan Pathak from Bopkhel performed educational songs.
In his speech, Jagdish Ohole shed light on the challenges faced by the tribal community. He expressed concern over the conflicts arising within the community due to external influences and called for unity for mutual progress. He emphasized the need to pursue new educational opportunities and highlighted the importance of seeking opportunities beyond reservations.
Rajiv Nandkar, the Deputy Commissioner of Pune Municipal Corporation, stressed the importance of planting trees for environmental protection in his presidential address. He urged the urbanized tribal community not to forget their less fortunate brethren and to take the initiative in helping them. He also encouraged professionals to pay attention to village politics and to ensure the next generation receives good education and values.
Over 2,000 tribal brothers from Pimpri-Chinchwad and Pune attended this grand event. The dignitaries emphasized the need for unity for the progress of the tribal community and the importance of education and social integration. After the event, attendees enjoyed a communal meal together. Tribal dance groups from Nagpur and Palghar added a special touch to the program with their vibrant performances.