From exile to home: Tribal families reclaim roots in Gujarat village after a decade

The Hindu

6 days ago

In an emotional homecoming, 29 tribal families, who had left their ancestral village of Mota Pippodra in Banaskantha's Danta taluka 12 years ago due to a deep-rooted custom, were ceremoniously welcomed back on Thursday (July 17, 2025).
These families, belonging to the Kodarvi community, had abandoned their native village on account of the tribal practice of Chadotaru — a traditional vendetta custom that had driven them into exile.
The emotional return of nearly 300 members of these families to their ancestral land was facilitated through a collaborative initiative involving the Banaskantha police, local administration, and community leaders. The event was marked by symbolic rituals, heartfelt gestures of reconciliation, and a firm governmental commitment to integrate these families back into the mainstream with dignity and support.
Addressing the gathering, Gujarat Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi called the occasion historic not just for Gujarat, but for tribal communities across India. 'Today marks the eradication of an old social ill and a step towards progress, peace, and collective prosperity,' he said. He praised the elders of both communities for choosing dialogue over conflict and honoured them on stage for their role in restoring harmony. 'Unity is the true identity of society, while hatred is a burden of darkness,' the Minister said.
Mr. Sanghavi welcomed the returning families with kumkum tilak, conducted traditional housewarming rituals (gruh pravesh), and later they sowed maize seeds in their fields to mark a new beginning. Each household was provided with educational kits, ration supplies, a wheelchair in the case of a differently-abled member, and certificates of appreciation for their courage and patience.
The Kodarvi families, who had scattered across Palanpur and Surat after fleeing Mota Pipada, were resettled on their legally owned 8.5-hectare land. The Banaskantha police, working with the District Inspector of Land Records, cleared and levelled the overgrown, desolate land to make it cultivable again, officials said.
They said that two houses had already been constructed, and under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, efforts were underway to provide permanent housing for all families. Partnerships with voluntary organisations were also being leveraged to provide essential infrastructure and livelihood support.
Mr. Sanghavi lauded the Banaskantha police for going beyond their security duties to help achieve lasting peace through community outreach. 'This is an exemplary case of law enforcement leading social change,' the Minister said.