PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE
The historic Banjara Ekta Sankalp Yatra, a nationwide movement for unity, social awareness and empowerment of the Banjara community, concluded on Monday with a closing ceremony attended by saints, social leaders, public representatives and thousands of members of the Banjara community from across the country.
The Yatra commenced on July from the sacred birthplace of Sant Shri Sevalal Maharaj at Sevagad, Gooty (Andhra Pradesh) and concluded on July 27 after travelling approximately 7,000 kilometres across 18 States and more than 80 districts in just 21 days, carrying the message of unity, education, constitutional rights, social reform and national integration. The closing ceremony was organised at RK Puram in Delhi.
Addressing the gathering, the minister for Health, Family Welfare & Medical Education, Government of Andhra Pradesh, Satya Kumar Yadav recalled his deep emotional association with Sevagad. He shared that before entering electoral politics, he had visited Sevagad to seek the blessings of Sant Shri Sevalal Maharaj and later returned before filing his nomination for the Assembly elections. He stated that the blessings of Sant Sevalal Maharaj and the wholehearted support of the Banjara community had played a significant role in his electoral success and subsequent opportunity to serve as a minister.
He emphasised that education, organisation and social awareness are the strongest pillars for the progress of the Banjara community. Referring to the teachings of Sant Shri Sevalal Maharaj, he urged the youth to reject social evils, embrace education and strengthen community unity. He congratulated the organisers for successfully taking the message of Sant Sevalal Maharaj across the country and expressed confidence that the Yatra would inspire a new era of social awakening. He assured the Banjara community that their demands would be brought to the notice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Delivering the keynote address, Shri Sree Maharaj, National Convener and Organiser of the Banjara Ekta Sankalp Yatra, reaffirmed his commitment towards the welfare of the Banjara community. He declared that every issue concerning the community would be taken up with dedication and responsibility. He stressed that organisation is the greatest strength of society, and appealed to the community to remain united above regional differences.
Shri Sree Maharaj announced that over the coming months, he would undertake extensive visits across several states to understand the problems of the community and place them before elected representatives and governments through democratic and constitutional means. He called upon the community to preserve its cultural heritage, strengthen social unity and continue working collectively for justice and equal opportunities.
Speaking on the occasion, Umesh G Jadhav, former Member of Parliament, Kalaburagi, and patron of the Yatra, briefly outlined the six major demands raised through the Banjara Ekta Sankalp Yatra:
1. Inclusion of all Banjara sub-groups under a uniform Scheduled Tribe status across India.
2. Inclusion of Gor Boli (Banjara Language) in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India.
3. Recognition of “Banjara” as the common caste identity in the forthcoming National Caste Census.
4. Establishment of a National Banjara/Tanda Development Corporation for focused socio-economic development.
5. Greater emphasis on education, skill development, employment and youth empowerment for the Banjara community.
6. Protection and promotion of the cultural, spiritual and historical heritage of Sant Shri Sevalal Maharaj and the Banjara community.
Jadhav stated that the Yatra was not merely a journey but a nationwide social movement aimed at ensuring dignity, constitutional rights and inclusive development for every Banjara family in the country.
The organisers expressed gratitude to saints, public representatives, social organisations, volunteers and lakhs of community members who supported the Yatra across its entire route. The closing ceremony concluded with a collective pledge to continue working for a united, educated, empowered and self-reliant Banjara society.
