Nandurbar, 24th July 2025

The Press Information Bureau (PIB), Mumbai, hosted a ‘Vartalap’ - a media conference on the theme ‘From Skills to Sustainability’ for journalists in Nandurbar district, today. This conference enabled journalists to interact with officials from across Maharashtra implementing various schemes of the Government of India that are of pertinence to Nandurbar district. The journalists also interacted with scheme beneficiaries who were present on the occasion to share their experiences. 53 journalists from Nandurbar district, Maharashtra, participated in the event.

The inauguration was graced by Regional Director of the Sports Authority of India, Shri Pandurang Chate, Director of Press Information Bureau, Mumbai, Shri Sayyid Rabeehashmi and District Collector, Nandurbar, Dr. Mittali Sethi.  Assistant Director, PIB Mumbai, Ms. Nikita Joshi outlined the objective of the media conference. In his address, Shri. Chate appreciated the Vartalap initiative that connects rural journalists with the Government of India. Speaking at the conference, the District Collector highlighted the role of journalists as the “ears and eyes” of the civil administration in governance. Shri Rabeehashmi added that the journalism fraternity includes more than 1.55 lakh publications and over 900 television channels, emphasizing the role of Vartalap in connecting journalists with the government.

The conference began with a symposium titled ‘Crafting Futures: Driving Employment through Tribal Innovation and Marketing’ by Shri Ajit Vachhani, Regional Manager of the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited (TRIFED), along with tribal beneficiaries of TRIFED. He informed that Nandurbar has 11 VanDhan Development Clusters approved. The beneficiaries shared how, through TRIFED, their cluster communities have been able to sell tribal products at six times higher profits due to better branding under the government scheme. One beneficiary recounted how Mahua Ladoos and mushroom products were successfully sold at various stalls in Mumbai, Delhi, Nagpur, and other cities, gaining nationwide exposure. These schemes are implemented in coordination with Maharashtra State Government’s Shabari Adivasi Vitta Wa Vikas Mahamandal. The symposium was moderated by Ms. Sonal Tupe, Media and Communication Officer, PIB Mumbai.

This was followed by a session titled ‘Sports for All: Deliberations on Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 and SAI’s Schemes in Empowering Tribal and Grassroots Athletes’ by Shri Pandurang Chate, Regional Director, Sports Authority of India. Along with Assistant Director Ms. Apoorva Manda, he presented central government initiatives including the latest Khelo Bharat Niti 2025, aimed at nurturing athletes from the grassroots level by providing physical and mental training along with financial assistance. Sports beneficiaries under this scheme, including a tribal coach training at the National Centre of Excellence in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, shared their experiences on how grassroot athletes can pursue sports as a career.

The third interaction was conducted by Dr. Mamta Dhankute, Assistant Director, Spices Board of India, on ‘Unlocking Nandurbar's Chilli Potential: Spices Board Initiatives for Processing, Marketing, and Livelihood Promotion’. The attending journalists expressed interest in Nandurbar’s potential in the chilli economy. She highlighted the potential for value-added products like chilli flakes and chilli powders through the local chilli industry.
Chief Commercial Inspector, Nandurbar Mr. Sandeep Kumar Gupta and Chief Goods Clerk Pramod Thakur spoke about ‘One Station, One Product, initiative of the Western Railway.

The conference concluded with an orientation titled ‘An Introduction to the Functions and Services of the Press Information Bureau’ by Assistant Director, PIB, Ms. Nikita Joshi and Media and Communication Officer, PIB  Ms. Sonal Tupe. This session explained the significance of PIB's role in supporting journalists’ reporting.

In a parallel event, a three-day exhibition on Health and Nutrition was organized at Chhatrapati Shivaji Natya Mandir, Nandurbar, by the Central Bureau of Communication, in collaboration with the District Administration, Health Department, Women and Child Development Department, Education Department, National Service Scheme (NSS), and My Bharat Office, Nandurbar. The event was inaugurated by District Collector Dr. Mitali Sethi.

This exhibition will remain open to all citizens free of charge from July 24 to 26, 2025 (Thursday to Saturday), between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM. The exhibition aims to raise awareness and provide information on health and nutrition. Alongside the exhibition, various competitions, cultural programs, and quiz contests will also be held at the venue.

PIB Mumbai | Nikita Joshi /Yash Rane/Preeti Malandkar

 

 

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(Release ID: 2148004)