Excellent tribal players honouredBhopal:Monday, August 18, 2008:Tribal Welfare and Forest Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah has exhorted the tribal players to draw inspiration from gallant Adivasi boy Eklavya and make him their ideal. The great mythological figure Eklavya had become the best archer of his times due to his firm determination to achieve his goal despite lack of resources and adverse circumstances.
Kunwar Shah was addressing the state level function held here to honour tribal players who took part in or won prizes at national level sports competitions. He was chief guest at the function which was presided over by Principal Secretary Tribal Welfare Shri O.P. Rawat. Those present on the occasion included Commissioner Tribal Development Shri Jaideep Govind, managing director of Tribal Finance and Development Corporation Shri Raghuvir Shrivastava, director of Tribal Welfare Regional Scheme Sushri Urmila Mishra, departmental officers, players and their coaches. In all, 11 coaches and 130 players including 60 girls and 70 boys were honoured.
Kunwar Vijay Shah said that despite limited resources, these players have brought laurels to their state, village as well as their institutes by winning medals or participating in the national level competitions. For this they deserve encomiums. These players have proved that nothing can hinder one’s march to success if the determination is firm. The entire state is proud of these players’ success, he added.
Kunwar Shah said that in view of education’s importance in life, efforts are being undertaken to impart best education to tribal students. For them, English medium schools are also being established in every district. Arrangements have been made for talented tribal students to acquire higher education abroad. During the last two years, 20 tribal students have been sent abroad. He said that continuous efforts are being undertaken to improve tribal educational institutions and call centres would be opened soon so that students can register their complaints. Problems relating to sports complexes would be removed by 15th of the next month. He exhorted tribal students to be more environment friendly and undertake its conservation with increased dedication.
Kunwar Shah said that the state government has given full attention to conservation of tribal traditions. A dictionary of tribal dialects has been compiled, which is a historic achievement. Tribal people have been apprised of provisions of Forest Rights Act in their own dialects. He said that launching of F.M radio in tribal dialects is also a bid of achievement.
Principal Secretary Shri O.P. Rawat exhorted the players to draw inspiration from Abhinav Bindra, who won gold medal in Beijing Olympics. He said that the state government would extend all possible facilities to them for moving ahead.
Commissioner Tribal Development Shri Jaideep Govind said that at the behest of Tribal Welfare Minister Kunwar Shah the process to organise function in honour of tribal players was set in motion four years ago. At that time 44 players were honoured and now 130 players are being honoured.
Director Sushri Urmila Mishra exhorted the tribal players to move ahead with renewed energy and vigour and bring laurels to the nation.
Honoured players Ku. Hemlata, Ku. Chetna and Vasudev shared their experiences. They said they were feeling proud after being honoured. They said that any target can be achieved if one is determined. They took the pledge to bring laurels to the state as well as country.
At the outset Kunwar Shah and other guests lighted a lamp in front of Maa Saraswati’s idol to inaugurate the function. Vandematarm was also rendered while residential school’s girls sang the welfare song.
The function was conducted by Deputy Commissioner Shri Ajay Jasu while Additional Commissioner Shri J.S. Netam proposed a vote of thanks.