Take pride in your tribal identity, work for welfare of society, Gaude tells tribal students

Margao: Minister for art and culture Govind Gaude on Thursday urged the students from the SC/ST community to take pride in their tribal identity and contribute wholeheartedly towards the progress of the society.
Speaking at the inaugural session of the 4th Adivasi Vidyarthi Sammelan organised by the state tribal welfare department in collaboration with United Tribals Associations’ Alliance (UTAA), Gaude lamented the lack of knowledge among the tribal students community about the tribal movement in the state.
“Among the objectives of this sammelan,” Gaude said, “is to make the students from SC/ST community aware about their rights and entitlements. Because once you know what your rights are, you will be able to overcome the challenges that will come your way.”
He said that it was the duty of the tribal community to support the endeavours of the state tribal welfare department and UTAA for the uplift of the society.
“Obtaining the tribe’s caste certificate and securing a job shouldn’t be the end all of your endeavour. You should work towards contributing wholeheartedly for the society’s welfare. Your association with UTAA is your identity, don’t forsake it, as it is through the medium of UTAA that you have got several facilities. It is your obligation to support its activities,” Gaude said.
He further advised them to look beyond book knowledge for gaining wisdom, and to focus on nurturing their skills and talents to achieve success in life. “Let your own thoughts and ideas guide your life, and not those imposed on you by others,” Gaude said.
Several students who excelled in academics were felicitated on the occasion. Students from the SC/ST community from 55 higher secondary schools across the state attended the programme.
Talks on career guidance and other education-oriented issues were delivered by experts in their respective fields.
Director of tribal welfare Triveni Velip, UTAA president Prakash Velip and others spoke on the occasion.