Team Herald
PONDA: The Vanarmare Tribe (Katkari Community) residing in Nirankal, Bethora paid rich tribute to martyr Nagya Mhadu Katkari, a freedom fighter and unsung hero from the Katkari tribal community, celebrating his 94th memorial day with great enthusiasm.
The Memorial Day programme was organised by Samvedan Kendra, an association from Sankhli dedicated to the educational development of this community.
Naman Sawant highlighted the historical significance of Nagya Mhadu Katkari, recalling the jungle satyagraha against the British in 1930 at Chirner in Raigad district, Maharashtra. This movement was part of the non-cooperation campaign led by Mahatma Gandhi. At just 21 years old, Nagya Katkari participated in the satyagraha and was martyred by a bullet during the agitation.
The program aimed to rekindle the memory of this freedom hero among the younger generation of the Katkari community.
Dignitaries present included Madhu Khandeparkar, Sarpanch of Betoda-Nirankal; Panchayat member Akshay Gaonkar; social worker Dr Sachin Tendulkar; government school teacher Arya Naik; Project Director of Samvedan Kendra Naman Sawant; head of the tribal community Gopal Pawar and member Shalan Pawar.
During the event, Sarpanch Madhu Khandeparkar urged the young generation of the Vanarmare community to avoid addiction, maintain cleanliness, and keep their surroundings tidy.
Dr Sachin Tendulkar emphasized the importance of education for community progress, while Arya Naik and Akshay Gaonkar pledged their support for community development.