Team Herald
PONDA: The United Tribal Association Alliance (UTAA) is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a large convention, or Melavaa, scheduled to take place at the Goa Engineering College Ground (GEC) in Farmagudi on November 10. Approximately 30,000 members of the community are expected to attend, UTAA leader and former minister Prakash Velip told reporters on Tuesday.
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Members offered a Garane (prayer) to the Katamgal Dada deity at Farmagudi. Among those present were UTAA Working President Vishwas Gaude, General Secretary Durgadas Gaude, Dr Uday Gaonkar, and other office bearers.
Velip highlighted that two decades ago, community leaders worked tirelessly to unite the tribal community across Goa. He noted that the UTAA has fought for the welfare of its members and has addressed various injustices faced by the community over the years. He expressed the ongoing commitment to expand the UTAA’s presence in every ward and village throughout Goa.
While some of the UTAA’s demands have been met, Velip pointed out that several, including political reservation for the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community, remain unresolved. He urged community members to gather in large numbers to ensure the success of the Melavaa, where the Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Union Ministers are expected to be present.
