Raipur: Three Baiga families from Pandaria development block in Kabirdham district, Chhattisgarh, received a special invitation from President Droupadi Murmu to attend Republic Day celebrations in Delhi on January 26. The Baiga tribe will travel to Delhi for the first time and meet the President.
In addition to meeting and dining with President Droupadi Murmu, Baiga Tribe will visit the Prime Minister’s residence, Parliament House and the President’s house.
Baiga Tribe’s struggles
Baiga tribe, classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), is known for their rich cultural heritage and traditional way of life. Historically, they have been marginalized and lived in isolation, often in the forests of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and other neighbouring regions.
Baigas primarily practice agriculture and gather forest products, with a deep connection to nature. However, their communities have faced numerous challenges, such as lack of access to education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
For years, villages like Patapri, where Jagatin Bai and Phool Singh live, remained underdeveloped and isolated. The absence of electricity and modern facilities made daily life difficult, as reported by news agency ANI.
Initiatives by Govt for the tribe
Villagers relied on firewood for cooking and many lived in fear of wild animals due to the darkness that enveloped their homes. However, the installation of solar-powered lights in the village, a key initiative under the government’s CREDA department, brought significant change to the community.
Patapri village now enjoys 24-hour solar-powered lighting, with the scheme that provided 300-watt solar home lighting systems to each house. This not only illuminated their homes but also provided a sense of security and dignity to the villagers.
The improvements in Patapri village are a part of the broader efforts by the government to empower and uplift tribal communities in Chhattisgarh.
