NE NEWS SERVICE
AHMEDABAD,MARCH 31
Gandhinagar BJP ST Cell chief and Gujarat High Court advocate Aarti Bhil praised Padma Shri Ramilaben Raysingbhai Gamit as role model and inspiration for Adivasis here on Wednesday.
President Kovind presents Padma Shri to Smt Ramilaben Raysingbhai Gamit for Social Work. She is working in the field of health, agriculture and skill development etc. Inspired by the Swachh Bharat Mission, she helped to construct more than 700 toilets in Gujarat. pic.twitter.com/3yJGU8SP8H
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) March 28, 2022
Gamit Ramilaben Raysingbhai, 52, is a tribal social worker from Songadh taluka in Tapi district in Gujarat. From a humble background, she worked at the grassroot level and her dedicated efforts led to the transformation of nine villages into open defecation free villages.
She also created over 300 sanitary units and held awareness events on open defecation, sickle cell anemia and led “self-help groups across education, healthcare and sanitation in tribal communities, an achievement that has been highly appreciated by the community. She mainly works for the empowerment of Adivasi women and children’s health and education.
Despite the fact that most homes in the region are situated on hilly terrain, Ramilaben had worked relentlessly towards the cause.
In recognition of her selfless service for the Adivasis in education, healthcare and sanitation, Gamit Ramilaben Raysingbhai has been conferred with the Padma Shri award by President Ram Nath Kovind at a gala function held in New Delhi recently.. An elated Ramilaben said, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had interacted with her and made it an unforgettable moment in her ilfe.
“Coming from a very humble background in Tapi, Raysingbhai worked at grassroots level to maximise effect. Her dedicated effort led to nine villages becoming open-defecation free. She created 300-plus sanitary units and held awareness events on open defecation and sickle cell in tribal belts,” the citation says.
“Educated till Standard 10, she has been encouraging the village youth in Adivasi-dominated areas to take part in sports, spreading awareness on the importance of nutritional food for children, government’s various initiatives for adolescent girls’ health and education, ewpowerment of women and also financial literacy on Sukanya Smriti scheme for girl children. Thus she has brought transformation in the lives of Adivasis and will continue to remain as an exemplary social worker. This will encourage others also to follow suit,” advocate and activist Aarti Bhil said.
Commenting on this coveted award, Ramilaben expressed her happiness after being nominated for the fourth highest civilian award in India. “I’m very happy with the Padma Shri award, now I want to work to sort out the water issue in my Taparvada village. I am thankful to the President and Prime Minsiter Narendra Modi for bestowing with this award on me. Now, I will work for the ‘sabka saath and sabka vikas’ mission of the Centre and state governments with more vigour. These pro-Adivasi schemes have helped us a lot to uplift our community.”
“Bharatiya Janata Party has been rendering a great service to the Adivasis. This has boosted the morale of many Adivasi women to work in tandem with me for our community development. Gandhinagar BJP ST Cell president Aarti Kalubhai Bhil is one of the best examples. Aprt from practicing in the high court, Aartiben has joined hands with many NGOs and SHGs working for the betterment of women by offering counseling and guidance on various welfare measures. I am grateful to Aartiben and compliment to continue her good work,” Ramilaben said.