Secretary, Union Tribal Affairs Ministry, Dr Rishikesh Panda visited the pre-metric tribal girls hostel lakhagarh at Pithaura development block of Mahasamund district.
He enquired from the girl students about their study and gathered information about the facilities being given at the hostel like food, drinking water, health, scholarship, Saraswati cycle scheme etc. He also observed the vegetables being prepared on biomass stove.
During discussion with the students, Panda advised them to study well, so the name of their parents and school should be enlightened. The tribal girls presented a welcome song in honour of the Union Secretary, who, impressed with the beautiful welcome song, praised the talents of the little students.
The students informed him about the inconvenience they were facing at the entrance gate, on which, Collector R Sangeeta assured proper action. Scheduled Caste and Tribal Welfare department secretary Manoj Pingua, Commissioner of the department SS Paraste, district panchayat CEO Saurabh Kumar and other officers were present on the occasion.
Panda also visited the famous laxman Temple of historical archaeological city Sirpur in Mahasamund district and appreciated its ancient architecture. It is one of most ancient temples of India which is made of bricks.
According to historians, the laxman Mandir was built by Vasata, the mother of Mahashivgupta Balarjun, in memory of her husband. She was the daughter of King Suryavarman of Magadh. As per records, the temple was built in AD 650.
Dr Panda was full praise of the ancient idols kept in the archaeological museum. He reached the Teevardev Boudh Vihar of 7th century and perused the idol Mahatma Buddha.