Minister Lodha celebrates Diwali with tribal families in Aarey, gives children cycles and toys

With drought hanging over the state, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had appealed that this Diwali be celebrated with farmers and tribal brothers. Responding to the appeal, Cabinet Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha visited Khamba Ka Pada in Aarey Milk Colony, Goregaon East, and celebrated Diwali with the tribal community.

The Diwali Milan programme was organised jointly by Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, Maharashtra, and the Lodha Foundation. It was held at Khamba Ka Pada in Unit No. 25 of Aarey Milk Colony. Lodha spoke to tribal families and shared the festive joy with them.

Through the Lodha Foundation, cycles and toys that had been repaired and made fit for reuse were given to needy children. The children also received Diwali snacks, firecrackers, biscuits and school supplies.

Lodha said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had appealed for this year's Diwali to be celebrated with farmers and tribal brothers. According to him, there are 27 tribal hamlets in the Aarey Colony area. He said that as a state minister and Co-Guardian Minister of Mumbai Suburban district, he is always ready to provide whatever help the people of the area need.

The foundation collects items that city residents no longer need. These are then repaired, and things such as cycles and toys are passed on to needy children. Lodha also announced a resolve that Diwali would now be celebrated every year in a different tribal hamlet. He added that celebrating Diwali amid nature with tribal brothers was among the most special Diwali memories he has had.

The tribal community performed its traditional tarpa dance at the event and drew everyone's attention. Unable to hold himself back on seeing the energy of the dance, Lodha danced the tarpa with the tribal brothers. Keeping time with the beat of the performers, he lifted the spirits of the community. The tarpa dance was the main attraction of the event.

Lodha also burst firecrackers with the children of the hamlet and went door to door distributing Diwali snacks. The children's faces lit up at the gifts and firecrackers.

Corporator Preeti Satam, Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram working president Sushil Jaju and several other dignitaries were present at the event. A large number of tribal people also took part.