President Droupadi Murmu, who is on a three-day visit to Gujarat, offered prayers at Somnath Temple, paid floral tributes at the statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and interacted with members of the tribal community at Gir National Park in Sasan Gir on Thursday.
The President began her day with Darshan and Puja at the historic Somnath Temple. Following this, she visited Gir National Park, home to the Asiatic lion, where she met and interacted with local tribal communities, including members of the Siddi community.
Addressing the gathering, President Murmu encouraged the tribal people to pursue education as a means of empowerment and progress. She expressed happiness that the Siddi tribal community – a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group – has achieved a literacy rate of over 72 percent.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to tribal welfare, the President urged the community to stay informed about various development and welfare schemes initiated by the Government of India. She encouraged them not only to benefit personally but also to help others in their villages and communities access these schemes.
President Murmu also praised the nature-friendly lifestyle of tribal communities, calling it a source of inspiration for sustainable living. She emphasized that the active participation of tribal brothers and sisters is vital in building a just and inclusive society that respects and preserves tribal culture and traditions.
She said that ensuring equality, justice, and protection of tribal rights is essential to achieving the vision of a developed India by 2047.