With a view to assess development activities in rural area and take further measures to uplift them, the Mati Maa Mela, 2019, was held at Mahamadpur in Deogaon Block, 20 km away from here on Thursday.
Every year the birthday of industrialist and of founder of Reliance company late Dhirubhai Ambani is observed as Maati Maa Unnati Mela to cherish his dream of development of rural areas for a better India.
Organised jointly by Mahalaxmi Krushak Samiti and Bhimpahad Krushak Producer Company in association with Reliance Foundation, Balangir, the mela was attended by people from nearby 40 villages. Appreciating the crucial role played by farmers since ages to ensure food security and development of nation, Balangir District Central Cooperative Bank president Laxman Meher stressed the need for more steps for farmers for better production and society.
Among others, Sarpanches Kanhu Charan Meher (UdarGP) and Balak Padhaan (Makundpur GP) spoke in details about the activities undertaken in the panchyat level for development of people.
Ambika Prasad Mohanty of Reliance Foundation, Balangir, presented a brief outline of Reliance Foundation activities and explained the purpose of celebration of the mela every year.
Chairman of Deogaon Block Reena Meher, while appreciating the steps taken by Reliance Foundation for development of people in village area, stressed the need of more steps for women participation in development process.
To revive the rural games and sport which is gradually going into oblivion, the game RASSI GICHA, a popular sport played in rural area, was held. People on both sides tried to pull each other over a rope. Later, various cultural troupes performed.