Navi Mumbai police lights up tribal lives this Diwali

For a few tribal residents of the Naxal-hit Gadchiroli district, this Diwali promises to be a joyous occasion, thanks to the timely gifts they have received from the Navi Mumbai police.

Following an initiative by the Navi Mumbai police, the Gadchiroli tribals were gifted a number of basic necessities such as utensils, clothes for children, men and women, groceries such as sugar and foodgrains and even sports equipment, including, cricket bats, football and badminton racquets.

In October, Navi Mumbai Zone 2 DCP Vishwas Pandhari had spread the word among the residents in his jurisdiction, seeking help for tribals who struggle over the bare necessities to ensure their survival.

“These tribal don’t have proper clothes and basic amenities such as utensils. We wanted to provide them with at least their daily needs. All over from Zone 2, residents came forward and contributed clothes, books, sports equipment and grains for the tribals. On a fixed date, we sent three trucks with all the materials to Gadchiroli,” said Mr Pandhari.

Another police officer, Desai, said the department was overwhelmed with the response they had received.

He said a number of ways was used to convey the request that help be given to the residents.

“We felt so happy while telling people about our initiative. We had advertised through pamphlets, told school students and made announcements in every area. We didn’t think people would respond readily. The entire police department contributed according to its capability.”

Gadchiroli SP Sandip Patil said, “We distributed the materials among the residents here according to their needs and necessity. Children were really happy to get the footballs and racquets. We were glad the children got a proper kit to play cricket. Some of the family members were so thankful that they were in tears when we distributed the grains.”