Malkangiri: Even as the country became free from British rule in 1947, residents of a hilltop village in this district got the real taste of freedom Monday after 69 years of India’s independence.
Joy of people in Jamuguda village under Chedenga panchayat under Mathili police limits knew no bounds when they got access to electricity and watched the Prime Minister, for the first time, addressing the nation from the Red Fort.
According to reports, about 20 families live in this hilltop village which is a kilometer from Chedenga panchayat. Electricity connection to 17 BPL families of this village under the Centre’s Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gramya Bidyutikaran Yojana has generated new hopes for the residents.
Earlier, school students had problems studying in evening while it was impossible for villagers to remain outdoor due to fear of wild animals. Animals often sneaked into the houses, they said.
“The power connection has not only helped the school students, women can now cook under bright light,” Kasa Padiami of the village said.
People, who earlier didn’t know what Independence Day is all about, hoisted Tricolour in the village to celebrate the occasion, it was learnt.
Besides, a television set, which was an unthinkable electronic gadget for the villagers, was kept at the centre of the village. Locals watched the Prime Minister addressing the nation, students and jawans parading and other programmes. People across all age groups thronged the place and enjoyed the Independence Day programmes broadcast on the television screen.
“We learnt many things after watching TV and now we can proudly celebrate the occassion like others ,” villager Sanu Muchaki said. PNN
