VALPOI
The awareness campaign launched by the Goa Dhangar Samaj Seva Sangh, Sattari, seeking Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for the Dhangar community is gaining momentum across Sattari taluka.
As part of the campaign, the organisation held its 16th corner meeting at Dhangarwada, Poriem-Sattari, at the residence of Pandurang Zore. Community members unanimously resolved to maintain unity and intensify the campaign for ST status through democratic and constitutional means.
Women, youth, senior citizens, social workers and community members from different parts of Sattari attended the meeting in large numbers. Those present raised their hands to reaffirm their support for the demand. Speakers called upon the community to set aside political, social and personal differences and remain united for its overall development and protection of constitutional rights.
Speakers noted that while the younger generation of the Dhangar community has made progress in education, employment, business and other fields, the community continues to face challenges in achieving the desired level of overall social and economic development. They described ST status as an important issue concerning the future of the community.
Association president Dhulu Dhondo Shelke briefed the gathering on the present status of the ST demand, the government-level process and the organisation’s future course of action. He said the demand was not merely about reservation, but was closely linked to the community’s educational, social and economic advancement and its constitutional rights.
“People may come to a meeting as members of the community, but they should leave as active workers committed to the struggle for their rights,” Shelke said, urging every section of the community to participate actively in the campaign.
Vice-president Laxman Zore appealed to women, youth and other sections of the community to take an active role in the movement. He also cautioned members against rumours and misinformation, urging them to depend on information circulated through the organisation’s official channels.
Zore said the necessary reports and information related to the ST demand had been submitted by the Goa government to the Registrar General of India (RGI). He stressed the need for sustained follow-up and urged the community to seek accountability from the government regarding the progress of the process.
The organisation is conducting special meetings across Sattari to create greater awareness about the ST demand. It plans to expand the campaign by reaching out to community members in different villages and explaining the significance of the demand.
Office-bearers said efforts would be made to bring all sections of the Dhangar community onto a common platform. Large gatherings, awareness programmes and peaceful democratic protests are expected to be organised in the coming period to draw the government’s attention to the issue.
Speakers further stressed that political, social and personal differences should be kept aside in the larger interests of the community. They urged every member to contribute to the movement in whatever way possible so that the demand receives greater support and strength.
The meeting was attended by association president Dhulu Dhondo Shelke, secretary Chandrakant Pavne, treasurer Janu Pingle, vice-president Laxman Zore, working vice-president Prashant Mote, joint treasurer Vithoba Bodke, along with Ajay Shelke, Sainath Tate, Pandurang Zore, Sagar Shelke, women, youth, activists and other community members.
Secretary Chandrakant Pavne welcomed the gathering. Various issues concerning the community were discussed, and members shared their views on upcoming awareness programmes and the nature of future democratic action. Joint treasurer Vithoba Bodke proposed the vote of thanks.
