First V-C of Birsa Munda varsity, professor who developed scripts for 19 tribal languages felicitated by Gujarat CM

Mahida, who established 72 educational institutions in Bharuch and Narmada districts, is known to have worked tirelessly for the upliftment of the tribal community. The awards, jointly instituted by Mahida’s granddaughter Virajkumari and Rajpipla royal scion Manvendrasinh Gohil, aims to recognise the contributions and achievements of individuals from the tribal community.

Prasanna Sree, the Andhra University professor, termed the award as a “moment of pride” while emphasising on the importance of language in preserving culture and disseminating knowledge.

Prasanna Sree said, “Knowledge is power, doubtlessly language is the key to acquire knowledge. There is no acquisition or dissemination of knowledge without language… Languages hold our stories, traditions and unique ways of understanding the world. Language and culture are deeply intertwined.”

Prasanna Sree further said, “While languages serve as a key tool for expressing and transmitting cultural values, beliefs and practices; culture shapes the way language is used and understood. When a language has no script, its survival is at risk. This is why I dedicated myself to developing scripts for 19 tribal languages. not just to document words but to preserve heritage, culture and diversity for future generations.”

Invoking Mahida’s “selfless works”, Chief Minister Patel said, “We remember Karmayogi Ratnasinhji Mahida, who dedicated his life to the upliftment of tribal communities. The award comes at a time when we are also celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, who worked for the tribals. This initiative will further motivate tribal empowerment…”

Actor and former Member of Parliament (MP) Dr Nitish Bharadwaj also attended the event where Virajkumari Mahida spoke of “honouring and carrying forward the legacy” of her grandfather. Gohil emphasised on the “close ties between Mahida and the Gohil royal family”.

The award will be presented annually, in an attempt to highlight unsung tribal achievers, inspire younger generations, and reinforce the state’s commitment to inclusive development, according to Virajkumari Mahida.

Later, CM Patel also participated in a mass wedding event organised by Nadiad MLA Pankaj Desai and Mahuda MLA Sanjaysinh Mahida, which saw 151 couples tying the knot at Chaklasi in Kheda district. Later, Patel inaugurated the two-storey Pujya Ravishankar Maharaj hall in Mehmadabad on Saturday afternoon, along with other development projects worth Rs 142 crore.