After 12 years of exile, preparations are on for the respectful return of Kodarvi tribal families in Mota Pipodara village of Banaskantha district of Gujarat
Banaskantha, Gujarat – 29 tribal families of the Kodarvi community, who were driven out of Mota Pipodara village in Danta taluka of Banaskantha district of Gujarat 12 years ago due to an ancient tradition ‘Chhodotaru’, are now going to return to their village. The homecoming of these families, comprising about 300 people, will take place on 17 July 2025 (Thursday) with a special ceremony.
According to a report in The Hindu, Chhadotaru—a revenge-based social practice—led to constant disputes and tensions in the village, forcing these families to migrate. These families took refuge in Palanpur and Surat and lived like outsiders for years, leaving behind their land, homes and memories.
Understanding their pain, the Banaskantha police and the district administration began serious efforts to rehabilitate them. Gujarat Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghvi said that several meetings were held with village elders, panchayat members and community leaders to ensure their return in a peaceful and amicable manner.
“The Banaskantha police carried out a long process of reconciliation and found a way out by talking to all parties,” the minister said.
The district administration identified and revived about 8.5 hectares of ancestral land of these families, which had turned barren and into bushes over the years. It was cleared, levelled and made cultivable.
“This land has now become fertile again, and symbolises the beginning of their new life,” Sanghvi said.
Two houses have been constructed under the rehabilitation scheme and the remaining 27 families will be given houses with the help of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and social organisations.
On July 17, these families will be welcomed back to the village with a special event that will include puja rituals and the symbolic act of sowing seeds on the reclaimed land—a symbol of new beginnings and prosperity. The minister said he would personally distribute educational kits, ration material to the families and discuss long-term rehabilitation plans.
“It is not just a matter of bringing people back to their villages, but an effort to heal old wounds and lay the foundation for a harmonious future. We believe that no tribal family should remain displaced due to an old and inhuman tradition. Only development and dialogue can overcome any differences,” Sanghvi said.
Rajan Chaudhary
Courtesy : Hindi News