Visakhapatnam, 23^rd December 2025

 The two-day PESA Mahotsav (23–24 December 2025) commenced today in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, with the PESA Run along the iconic Ramakrishna (R.K.) Beach, marking a vibrant start to the celebrations around the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA).

The early-morning PESA Run witnessed enthusiastic participation from people across all age groups, especially the tribal youth. The run was flagged off by Arjuna Awardee and renowned Indian archer Ms. Jyothi Surekha Vennam in the presence of Smt. Mukta Shekhar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj; Shri Mutyalaraju Revu, Commissioner, APSIRD≺ Shri V. R. Krishna Teja Mylavarapu, Commissioner & Director (Panchayat Raj & Rural Development); Dr. M. Sudhakar Rao, Additional Commissioner (PR); and other senior officials, who also addressed the participants. The speakers highlighted the spirit of PESA and its role in empowering Gram Sabhas and safeguarding the rights, community resources and cultural identity of tribal communities in Scheduled Areas.

Following the PESA Run, the PESA Mahotsav was formally inaugurated by Smt. Mukta Shekhar, Joint Secretary, MoPR, Dr. Bijaya Kumar Behera, Economic Adviser, MoPR and Shri V. R. Krishna Teja Mylavarapu, Commissioner & Director (Panchayat Raj & Rural Development), Government of Andhra Pradesh, and a series of activities were organised throughout the day. Exhibition stalls, including a Craft Bazaar and Food Festival, showcased tribal handicrafts and local cuisines. Competitive events in Kabaddi and Archery were conducted, with Kabaddi semi-final matches held during the day and archery competitions progressing through qualifying, elimination and medal rounds.

The 2^nd half of the 1^st day event featured vibrant Tribal Demo Games by teams from several PESA States, presenting traditional indigenous games such as Cholo, Yedu Penkulata, Gedi Doud, Rasa Kashi, Uppanna Barelu, Pithool, Sikor, Mallakhamba and Chakki Khel, reflecting the rich sporting heritage of tribal communities.

In parallel, Gram Sabhas were conducted in ten PESA Gram Panchayats under Alluri Sitharama Raju District with discussions on thematic areas, including strengthening of Gram Sabhas, prevention of land alienation, ownership of minor forest produce, control over minor minerals, management of community resources and minor water bodies, control over intoxicants and money lending, and preservation of customs, traditions and cultural identity.

The PESA Mahotsav continues tomorrow with technical sessions, launch of landmark initiatives, cultural events, prize distribution ceremony and valedictory sessions to mark the celebrations of PESA Day, reinforcing the message of participatory governance and strengthening grassroots democracy in Scheduled Areas.

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GSK/YUP