DEENDAYAL Research Institute (DRI) conducted a seven-day padyatra in 54 Tharu villages of Uttar Pradesh situated at Bharat-Nepal border. The DRI has been working among these villagers for some time and these people, who regard themselves as descendents of Maharana Pratap, have decided to follow the ideals of Nanaji Deshmukh for their own upliftment.
The padyatra was conducted from February 14 to 20. Senior activists of DRI including principal secretary Dr Bharat Pathak, organising secretary Shri Abhay Mahajan, secretary Shri Ramkrishna Tewari joined the padyatra. Many leaders of Tharu community also joined the yatra.
The yatra began from Imaliya Kodar village on February 14 and passing through many villages concluded in Bhojpur village. As soon as the yatra group reached any village the villagers welcomed them with affection and respect. The group stayed at night in villages only. Every day the yatra began with a prayer in the morning and meet the people, discussed their problems and then moved forward for the next village. The group members also discussed their matters with the villagers where the yatra stayed at night. The yatra basically focused on the solution of village problems. The people wanted solution to the problems of agriculture, education, etc.
According to Shri Abhay Mahajan who led the yatra for all seven days, the yatra visited 54 Tharu villagers and discussed their problems. Imiliya Kodar, Pachpedwa and Balrampur are the villages situated at Uttar Pradesh-Nepal border where the people of Tharu communities originally settled. Nanaji Deshmukh had visited these villagers and following his instructions the DRI had started efforts for their development. Now the change is clearly visible in these villages.
Talking to Organiser Shri Abhay Mahajan said all the villages have natural resources in abundance but the urban mentality has harmed the lot. He said efforts are on for all round development of the villages. (FOC)
