Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the grand 'Tribal Pride Day' event organized in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra, via video conferencing, during which he inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for a total of 246 development projects costing approximately three thousand crore rupees, giving a major boost to the region's infrastructure and socio-economic growth. This significant event accelerated numerous welfare schemes dedicated to the upliftment and empowerment of the tribal community, generating immense enthusiasm among the local residents. Addressing the gathering through video conferencing, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that Tribal Pride Day is a sacred festival deeply intertwined with the pride of the entire tribal society. Today, various programs celebrating Tribal Pride Day are being organized across the length and breadth of the country, with the entire nation remembering its brave tribal heroes and heroines with immense pride and reverence. He recalled that Tribal Pride Day was first initiated on November 15, 2021, and has now evolved into a massive national festival that symbolizes the cultural and social unity of the country.
Continuing his address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi pointed out that there was a time in the country's history when numerous days and celebrations were determined entirely through a foreign perspective. However, the new India of today remembers and honors its ancient heritage, its glorious history, and its great icons with a strong sense of indigenous self-respect. This transformation, he noted, is a clear and powerful symbol of the monumental positive change that has taken place within our national consciousness, as the country now recognizes its roots and takes deep pride in its rich cultural identity.
During his speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi specifically highlighted two major and historic achievements of the country that are currently being discussed everywhere, both nationally and globally, while he stated that the first major achievement is successfully defeating and lifting nearly 50 crore people of the country out of severe and grinding poverty. Meanwhile, the second major achievement is liberating the nation completely from the dark shadows of Naxalism and Maoist terror. Both of these monumental achievements have played a revolutionary role in uplifting the living standards of millions of citizens and paving the way for lasting peace and development in previously neglected regions.
The Prime Minister also shed light on the fact that the government has paid special attention to those areas that remained left behind in the race for development for a long period. Taking decisive action in this regard, special campaigns were launched across more than 100 aspirational districts and over 500 aspirational blocks in the country, a vast majority of which include regions with a substantial tribal population. Also, the Prime Minister informed the audience that under the 'PM Krishi Dhan Dhanya Scheme', special focus is now being directed towards 100 agricultural backward districts as well, aiming to uplift local farmers and boost agricultural productivity. The launch of these comprehensive projects in Gadchiroli won't only improve local infrastructure but also create abundant employment opportunities, turning the dream of inclusive development for this tribal-dominated region into a vibrant reality.