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In a historic moment, four tribal villages in the Nandurbar district of north Maharashtra hoisted the Indian national flag for the first time since independence. The event, which came almost eight decades after 1947, was organized by a non-governmental organization with the support of children and local residents. The villages—Udadiya, Khaparmal, Sadri, and Manjhanipada—are located deep in the Satpura hills. These areas are isolated, with limited access to electricity, poor mobile connectivity, and no formal government infrastructure such as schools or panchayat offices. Despite such challenges, Independence Day 2025 turned into an unforgettable celebration for the villagers. First Flag Hoisting in Udadiya The main event took place in Udadiya, a small settlement around 500 kilometers from Mumbai and 50 kilometers from the nearest tehsil. The village is home to about 400 people. For decades, the absence of schools and government offices meant there was no official flag-hoisting ceremony here. This year, however, the situation changed. With the help of volunteers from the YUUNG Foundation, an NGO working in the region, local residents and children gathered to hoist the tricolor. About 30 children and dozens of villagers participated in the event, which marked the beginning of a new chapter for the community. Efforts by the NGO The YUUNG Foundation has been active in the Nandurbar tribal belt for the past three years. The NGO mainly focuses on education, helping tribal children who otherwise have no access to formal schooling. On Independence Day this year, the organization decided to extend its efforts beyond classrooms. It coordinated with villagers to organize flag hoisting in four villages—Udadiya, Khaparmal, Sadri, and Manjhanipada. Nearly 250 children studying in the NGO’s informal schools joined local residents to celebrate the national event for the first time. According to founder Sandeep Deore, the initiative was not just symbolic. The aim was to instill awareness about democratic rights and civic responsibilities among the tribal communities. He explained that the region is rich in natural resources and fertile land, nourished by the Narmada River. Yet, due to its hilly terrain, reaching these villages remains a challenge. Raising Awareness about Rights Deore emphasized that the objective was not only to hoist the flag but also to educate the tribal population about their constitutional rights. Many tribal residents lead self-reliant lives, growing their own food and relying on forest resources. However, limited literacy and awareness often make them vulnerable to exploitation when they travel outside for work or engage in daily transactions. He explained that awareness campaigns are as important as education. By connecting children and adults to national symbols like the tricolor, the NGO hopes to bridge the gap between remote tribal settlements and mainstream society. Challenges Faced by Villagers The villages involved in the celebration remain deprived of basic facilities. Electricity has still not reached these areas, and most households depend on solar panels for power. Mobile networks are patchy, often making communication with the outside world unreliable. Villagers also face difficulties in accessing other regions. They either walk for several hours through dense forests or use small boats to cross the Narmada River. This isolation has been one of the biggest barriers to development and public services. A local resident, Bhuwan Singh Pawara, shared his concerns. He said that education is the most pressing challenge in their community. The NGO currently runs its school on his land, but he does not want the next generation to suffer the same hardships faced by the current one. Language and Communication Barriers Another unique challenge is language. The villagers speak Pawari, a dialect that differs significantly from standard Marathi or Hindi. For outsiders, this makes communication difficult, and it often discourages officials or teachers from working in the area. Despite this barrier, the NGO gradually built trust with the community. Deore explained that at first, convincing villagers about their intentions was not easy. But once people understood the purpose behind their work, cooperation became smoother. Informal Education and Limitations The NGO depends on donations to pay teachers and provide basic facilities for its informal schools. However, these schools are not recognized as formal government institutions. As a result, they cannot benefit from state schemes such as the mid-day meal program. This limitation means that children attending these schools often miss out on nutrition support available to children in government schools. Nevertheless, parents prefer sending their children to the NGO schools, as they are often the only option available in the region. Anganwadi Workers and Government Presence Government services are scarce in these villages. Even Anganwadi workers, appointed by the government to monitor child welfare and nutrition, often fail to visit such remote areas. However, there are exceptions. In Khaparmal, for example, Anganwadi worker Azmibai lives in the village itself and sincerely carries out her responsibilities. Her presence ensures that at least some government schemes reach children in her locality. In other villages, the absence of such workers leaves families dependent solely on NGOs and their limited resources. Community Spirit and Hope Despite their hardships, the villagers live self-sufficient lives. They cultivate crops on fertile land, collect forest produce, and rely on the Narmada River for water. Their resilience helps them survive in isolation, but they still yearn for better education and health facilities. The Independence Day flag-hoisting ceremonies gave them not only a sense of pride but also a sense of belonging to the larger national community. For many children, it was the first time they stood before the tricolor, singing the national anthem with their peers. This experience is expected to inspire more demand for development and education within the villages. Symbolism of the First Tricolor The first tricolor in Udadiya and the other villages symbolizes much more than a patriotic gesture. It represents the bridging of a gap that lasted for almost 80 years after independence. It also signals the possibility of integrating remote tribal areas with national institutions, creating awareness about rights, and encouraging participation in democratic processes. The event highlighted how grassroots initiatives, led by small NGOs and supported by local communities, can bring about change even in the most neglected areas. The historic hoisting of the national flag in Udadiya, Khaparmal, Sadri, and Manjhanipada stands as a reminder that true independence reaches every corner of the nation only when the most marginalized communities are included. For decades, these villages remained disconnected from mainstream development, lacking schools, electricity, and even basic government presence. Yet, with the efforts of the YUUNG Foundation and the determination of villagers, a new chapter has begun. The tricolor flying high over the Satpura hills is not only a symbol of national pride but also a beacon of hope. It promises that, despite challenges, awareness and education can empower tribal communities to demand their rights and build a brighter future for the coming generations.

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Maharashtra: Tribal Villages in Nandurbar Hoist the National Flag for the First Time

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