Khamgaon, Vidarbha: The communities known across the country as nomadic and denotified (Ghumantu-Vimukt) communities were once communities that imparted knowledge. This community travelled across the country to selflessly share its knowledge with society. However, over time, this community became increasingly neglected. During British rule, the entire Pardhi-Adivasi community was branded a ‘criminal tribe’ for participating in the freedom struggle. This severely affected the development of the community, said Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat while addressing a gathering at a school for Pardhi children on August 8.
It is a matter of immense happiness to see that a state-of-the-art school for Pardhi children is being run through the initiative of Shri Sadguru Religious and Charitable Trust and Amanora YES Foundation. If the country is to truly become Vishwaguru, it is essential to bring neglected sections into the mainstream, he said.
At the Pardhi-Adivasi Ashram School of Shri Sadguru Religious and Charitable Trust in Khamgaon, Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat Ji inaugurated various facilities, including three state-of-the-art sports complexes constructed through the initiative of Pune-based Amanora YES Foundation.
At the beginning of the programme, Sarsanghchalak Ji inspected various development works undertaken at the Ashram School with the support of Amanora YES Foundation. He inspected the school’s state-of-the-art sports grounds, the kitchen where meals are prepared for students, the kitchen garden developed by the students, and the hostel.
Dr Bhagwat said that at one time, Bharatiya society was completely organised. Due to foreign invasions, society gradually became enslaved and, over time, became fragmented. This led to an increase in the number of neglected sections in society. Despite this, these neglected sections never accepted subjugation. They continued to struggle for independence. During British rule, the Pardhi and Adivasi communities were declared ‘criminals’. This dealt a major blow to their development. The Sangh has been working for the development of the Pardhi community for many years. Amanora YES Foundation is working to transform this school and make its students self-reliant. This work is certainly commendable. Bringing marginalised sections into the mainstream essential to make Bharat Vishwaguru.
State Tribal Development Minister Dr Ashok Uikey, Labour Minister Akash Phundkar, Shri Sadguru Religious and Charitable Trust, Indore, Trustee Dr Ayushi Deshmukh, and City Corporation Managing Director Aniruddha Deshpande were also present as chief guests at the programme.
While presenting the introductory remarks, City Corporation Managing Director Aniruddha Deshpande Ji said that, as per the suggestion of Dr Mohan Bhagwat Ji, Amanora YES Foundation started working for the development of the school. In no time, the children of the Pardhi-Adivasi community are taking great strides towards progress and self-reliance. This is a moment of immense gratitude for us. Amanora YES Foundation is running various initiatives for the development of the deprived and will continue this work in the future as well.
Tribal Development Minister Dr Ashok Uikey said that the government is continuously working for the development of the Pardhi and Adivasi communities and various schemes are being implemented for this purpose.
Labour Minister Akash Phundkar said that this Ashram School is the pride of Khamgaon. The work being undertaken here for the holistic development of underprivileged children is certainly commendable.
The programme was conducted by Vivek Kulkarni, while Ashram School Principal Rathod proposed the vote of thanks.
On the occasion, Dr Mohan Bhagwat Ji distributed cheques of Rs 10,000 each to 16 Pardhi-Adivasi girls. Former students of the Ashram School who have done notable work in various fields were also felicitated.
