The Malkangiri District Disari Peda Pujari Association is deeply committed to transforming the lives of tribal communities across Malkangiri District, Odisha. Established on August 15, 1995, under the visionary leadership of Shri Gagan Kumar Dhal, IAS, our mission is rooted in empowering the traditional community leaders—Disaris, Pedas, and Pujaris—by providing them with comprehensive training and resources.
We aim to equip Disaris with modern health practices to serve as village health advocates, ensuring improved medical care and well-being for all tribal members. Simultaneously, we focus on enhancing the educational and cultural landscape by training Pujaris to integrate contemporary learning methods while preserving the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Our efforts extend to preparing Pedas to lead in sustainable agricultural practices and veterinary care, fostering economic resilience and food security. Additionally, we are dedicated to conducting widespread community awareness campaigns to eliminate longstanding superstitious beliefs and negative social stigmas, paving the way for holistic development and a brighter future for tribal societies.
Our vision is to create a thriving and self-reliant tribal society in Malkangiri by 2030, where Disaris, Pedas, and Pujaris emerge as empowered leaders and catalysts for positive change. We aspire to build a network of model villages that seamlessly blend traditional values with modern advancements, ensuring access to quality healthcare, education, and economic opportunities for every individual.
By leveraging the unique influence of these community figures, we aim to establish a sustainable ecosystem that promotes health equity, cultural preservation, and agricultural prosperity. Our long-term goal is to see Malkangiri’s tribal population not only overcome historical challenges but also thrive as a beacon of resilience and progress, setting an example for other regions.
This ambitious vision is guided by our dedicated leadership, including President Shri Gagan Kumar Dhal, IAS, Vice-President Sri Podiami Jaga, and Secretary Dr. Niranjan Satapathy, MBBS, and remains a driving force as of 12:58 PM IST on Saturday, August 30, 2025.
