Ambikapur. A historic and emotional moment was witnessed on Thursday at the state-level Tribal Pride Day event when President Draupadi Murmu paid a special visit to Basant Pando, a senior member of the Pando tribe. When Basant Pando approached the President’s podium, President Murmu cordially inquired about his well-being, called him close, and affectionately honored him with a shawl.
President Draupadi Murmu told Basant Pando, “You are my son too.” Hearing this, the entire auditorium erupted in applause, while Basant Pando appeared emotional.
Historical Memories of Dr. Rajendra Prasad
Basant Pando’s relationship with the President is not new. This relationship stems from a 73-year-old historical event. In 1952, India’s first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, visited Ambikapur. At that time, 8-year-old Golu (today’s Basant Pando) of the Pando tribe was also present at the event. Seeing the simplicity and innocence of this young tribal child, President Rajendra Prasad was so impressed that he took Golu in his lap. At that very moment, he changed the child’s name to “Basant” and symbolically accepted him as his adopted son.
Following this historic event, the Pando tribe received the honor of being called “the President’s adopted son” throughout the country.
A proud moment for the Pando community
Basant Pando’s presence at this Ambikapur event and President Murmu’s affectionate behavior have created a wave of enthusiasm among the Pando community.
Tribal community members said:
- This meeting symbolizes the identity and respect of the Pando community.
- The President, who holds the highest constitutional position in the country, calling Basant Pando “son” is a significant message for the community.
- This will enable the problems and issues of the Pando community to be raised more strongly at the national level.
Basant Pando still lives with the same simplicity
Almost 80 years old, Basant Pando still lives his life with the same simplicity and straightforwardness. He described meeting President Murmu as “the greatest honor of his life” and said it was the same feeling of belonging that he felt with Dr. Rajendra Prasad in 1952.
The atmosphere at the event was emotional
During the meeting, the entire venue reverberated with applause. Tribal leaders, social representatives, and officials present on the stage also described the scene as historic. This moment became a symbol of pride and self-respect not only for the tribal community of Ambikapur but for the entire tribal community of Chhattisgarh.
Basant made five written demands to the President: inclusion of the Pando tribe in the central list, ensuring access to all central government schemes, issuing leases for land acquired by the Pando tribe, and providing employment opportunities to educated unemployed Pando tribes. Residential education should be provided in all districts of Chhattisgarh where the Pando tribe lives. Hospital facilities should be made available in all districts where the Pando tribe lives.
