Narmada: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Dediapada, located in the tribal belt of Central Gujarat, on November 15. Interestingly, this visit brings back memories of an emotional moment from 21 years ago, when Modi, then the Chief Minister of Gujarat visited Dediapada during the Shala Praveshotsav and Kanya Kelavni Mahotsav in 2003–04. During that visit, he made a heartfelt appeal to the local residents, saying, “I have come to you to ask for bhiksha, the alms of educating your daughters.”

Back then, Modi inaugurated school admission drives at six primary schools in Dediapada, emphasizing the importance of girls’ education in the tribal belt. The then MLA of Dediapada, Mahesh Chhotubhai Vasava, and MP Mansukhbhai Vasava accompanied him throughout the three-day programme.

Recalling those moments, Mahesh Vasava said, “Modiji started the Shala Praveshotsav from Primary School Khaidipada after landing at the Dediapada helipad. He stayed at the Circuit House and visited several villages, including Mozda and Nani Singlaoti, urging parents to educate their daughters.”

Dr. Vinod Kumar Kaushik, President of the INRECA Institute in Timbapada, also remembered the visit vividly. He said, “At that time, the dropout rate among girls in Dediapada was very high. The then Chief Minister Modi personally visited remote areas to spread awareness and motivate families to continue their daughters’ education beyond primary school.”

Notably, during the school entrance ceremonies at six schools in Dediapada in the academic year 2003–04, around 144 students were enrolled by the then CM Modi. The administration is now preparing a list of those students who are currently employed in government or private sectors. It is expected that Prime Minister Modi may interact with some of these individuals during his upcoming visit, a symbolic reunion that reflects the long-term impact of his early educational initiatives. DeshGujarat