Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 12: Jammu and Kashmir’s tribal communities have expressed gratitude to the President of India Droupadi Murmu for convening a special meeting with the tribes at Raj bhawan during her two days visit to the Union Territory.
The tribal group meeting the president termed it as a historic opportunity and a lifetime guidance by the President who shared her journey and vision for empowerment of tribes.
President Droupadi Murmu convened a special meeting with members of tribal communities associates with various initiatives of Tribal Affairs Department and held detailed discussions about their aspirations. The President along with Lt Governor Sh Manoj Sinha held detailed discussion with members of the tribal communities.
The President in her address highlighted the Government’s commitment to tribal welfare and their role as beacons of light in selected areas. She mentioned her efforts to travel to various states to gain firsthand knowledge of steps taken for tribal welfare, and ensure Governments take required steps for welfare and development of tribal communities. She appreciated the innovative initiatives launched by the J&K Tribal Affairs Department and called for sustainability of these schemes and coverage of entire tribal population in the UT.
Earlier, Secretary, Tribal Affairs Department, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary presented the welcome address and briefed the President of India about tribes of Jammu and Kashmir, their socio-cultural heritage, linguistic diversity and role in environment conservation, nation building and economy. He also dwelled on various initiatives like implementation of Forest Rights Act, Pradhan Mantri Aadi Adarsh Gram Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana, transport facilities for Transhumant population, developmental projects and interventions in healthcare and education.
Ishrat Ashraf and Ulfat Shafi, members of Tribal Groups, shared their experiences with the President related to education and culture initiatives. They expressed gratitude to the President for convening a special interaction with the tribal groups and sharing her words of wisdom.
Later, the President had an interaction with all participants followed by a group photographs. The President presented mementos to the two speakers from tribal group and also presented souvenirs to all the members of tribal groups participating in the interaction.
A culture troupe also presented a tribal song and dance performance in the evening showcasing the rich cultural heritage and a life revolving around the nature. The President appreciated the depiction of rich cultural heritage of the tribes through artistic performance.
Secretary to the President Rajesh Verma, Principal Secretary to Lt Governor Dr Mandeep Bhandari, Secretary RDD Mandeep Kour, ADG Kashmir Vijay Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, MD KPDCL Baseer ul Haq Choudhary, Director Information Minga Sherpa were also present.
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