Tribal Community Rising with Renewed Confidence Due to Expanding Opportunities: CM Devendra Fadnavis

Civic Felicitation Ceremony of MP Mayatai Evenate

Nagpur, March 2026 : Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday expressed confidence that the tribal community is emerging with renewed strength, driven by increasing opportunities in education and employment. He said that with access to such opportunities, the community is progressing rapidly and will not look back.

Fadnavis was speaking at a civic felicitation ceremony organised in honour of newly elected Rajya Sabha MP Mayatai Evenate by the Mayatai Chintamanrao Evenate Felicitation Committee. The event was held at Dr. Vasantrao Deshpande Auditorium in Nagpur and was attended by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, Tribal Development Minister Ashok Uike, MLA Krishna Khopde, former MLAs Deorao Holi and Sudhakarrao Deshmukh, and Mayor Nita Thakre, among others.

The Chief Minister praised Mayatai Evenate’s journey, noting that she rose from a modest background and built her political career through determination and hard work. Through her social initiatives, she earned the trust of the people and worked extensively on issues concerning tribal communities, even at the national level. Her dedication, he said, earned her a place in the Rajya Sabha, which he described as a matter of pride.

Fadnavis highlighted that her career as a corporator, mayor, and member of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes has been exemplary and unblemished. Despite facing personal hardships, she continued her social work with resilience, demonstrating strong leadership qualities.

The Chief Minister also spoke about the government’s efforts to bring tribal communities into the mainstream of development. He said significant initiatives have been taken to improve access to education, including provisions for higher education abroad. “Given the opportunity, tribal youth have consistently proven their capabilities,” he added, also pointing out that Maharashtra has made notable progress in addressing malnutrition.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari emphasised that true societal progress is achieved through the spread of education. He observed that the condition of tribal communities is improving rapidly and that leaders like Mayatai Evenate have a crucial role in guiding this transformation. Gadkari noted that her life has been shaped by struggle, and she has used every opportunity to work for the welfare of society. He expressed hope that under her leadership, the community would continue to advance economically, socially, and educationally.

Speaking on the occasion, Mayatai Evenate said the honour was not just hers but belonged to the entire tribal community. She stated that having witnessed the challenges faced by tribal people firsthand, she remains committed to addressing their issues. As a representative in Parliament, she pledged to raise their concerns and ensure their participation in the country’s development.

The event also saw felicitation of Mayatai Evenate by several organisations, including tribal youth groups and social institutions. A large number of members from the tribal community attended the programme, which began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. The event concluded with a vote of thanks.