President Droupadi Murmu is in Gujarat on a three‑day visit that highlights her focus on tribal welfare and wildlife conservation.
On Friday, the president started her day with a dawn Darshan and puja at the famous Somnath Temple. She then laid a wreath of fresh flowers at the statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel beside the temple, a gesture that underscored her respect for India’s founding leaders.
After the temple rituals, President Murmu turned her attention to Gir National Park, home to the world’s only wild Asiatic lions. The park’s dry, deciduous forests provide an ideal habitat for the big cats, and its 2023 census counted 523 lions—an increase from 411 in 2010 and 359 in 2005.
While walking through the park, the president met and spoke with local tribal members in Sasan Gir. She praised their nature‑friendly way of life and told the community that they have many opportunities for progress. She urged tribal families to prioritize education for their children and highlighted that the Siddi tribal community boasts a literacy rate of over 72 percent—an encouraging benchmark for rural India.
President Murmu reminded everyone that the government has already launched several welfare schemes for tribal groups. She urged citizens to learn about these programs, benefit from them, and help spread the information within their villages. “Together, we can build a society that values equality, justice and respect for all traditions,” she said.
The president ended her visit by engaging with the local community via X (formerly Twitter). In a post, she noted, “Today I explored Gir National Park, the only place besides Africa where lions roam free. The people here live in harmony with nature, and that is an inspiration for us all. We must develop while preserving our heritage.”
Gir National Park faces challenges such as recurrent droughts, cyclones, forest fires, and railway pollution. Its monsoon seasons from January to March keep the park closed from June 16 to October 15, protecting both wildlife and visitors.
President Murmu’s visit underscores India’s commitment to wildlife conservation, tribal upliftment, and inclusive development as it aims to become a fully developed nation by 2047.
Source: ianslive
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