Rahul for introduction of English in schools

B R Hills, Karnataka Mar 25 (UNI) Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi today suggested imparting English knowledge to improve the future of tribals, poor, downtrodden and backward classes in the country.

Mr Gandhi, who began his five-day tour of the State by visiting the tribals here this morning, was accorded a warm welcome by tribals, who performed a traditional 'soliga dance.' Hundreds of tribals thronged to have a glimpse at the leader, considered to be a youth icon of the party.

He visited a tribal family in Muthigegadde, a small hamlet in the deep forest of range of Nilgiris, tasted the 'Ragi Roti' staple food of Mysoreans, offered by Jade Gowda and his family. ''It was very tasty and very good'', the leader remarked.

He later addressed a gathering of 500 tribal people at the Vivekananda Grameena Abivrudi Kendra, an exclusive NGO headed by Right Livelihood Awardee, working for the uplift of tribals.

After listening to the grievances by the participants, Mr Gandhi assured to protect their interests. Tribals appealed to the leader to provide proper protection and implement the recently amended Forest Rights Act, which ensures for their dwelling inside the forest.

Mr Gandhi assured that he will try to protect their causes and said that they have every right to live in the forest and protect its environment.

Later he also stopped at various places in the tribal dominated hilly region and mingled with the local people and patiently heard their grievances.

Mr Gandhi was accompanied by Union Minister Prithviraj Chavan, State Party President Mallikarjun Kharge and former Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and others.

Mr Gandhi will stay overnight at Nagarahole Wildlife sanctuary and proceed to Mangalore in the morning.

UNI MV MSP/SR VD KN1955