Orissa tribal girl makes it to J-8 meet
Sanjukta will rub shoulders with representatives from 56 countries
The tribal dominated backward Orissa district of Koraput, which had always remained in news for wrong reasons like acute poverty and increasing naxal activities, is in the spotlight now for a completely different reason now, thanks to the achievement of a teenaged tribal girl from a remote village in the district.
Sixteen-year-old Sanjukta Pangi, from Karanjaguda village under Pottangi block, one of the poorest in the country, has been selected to represent India in the J8 (Junior 8) international youth summit, which is currently being held in Italy along with the G8 conclave.
In fact, Pangi, daughter of a small time farmer, has already left for Rome, the capital of Italy, to attend the prestigious conference. Accompanying her for guidance is an official from the district. At the international submit, the young tribal girl will rub shoulders with 56 youth representatives from G8 member countries such as the United States, UK, Russia, Japan, Italy, Germany, France and Canada besides six other countries –– India, China, Brazil, Egypt, Mexico and South Africa.
Debate on climate change
They will discuss the impact of climate change on the lives of children and young people.
If Koraput district officials are to be believed, Pangi, a plus two student at a local college, will be speaking on the impact of climatic change on the lives of the poor tribals in the backward Orissa district.
Pangi, who was selected for the important international youth conclave through a programme conducted by the UNICEF, however, will not be the sole representative from India.
She will be accompanied by two other young delegates from Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.
DH News Service
