Sonia shies away from tribal dance rerun

December 17th, 2011 - 9:52 pm ICT by IANS  

Sonia Gandhi Panaji, Dec 17 (IANS) Ahead of the festive season, Congress president Sonia Gandhi Saturday wished Goa a merry Christmas and a happy New year, but did not shake a leg with tribal dancers who were specially called to perform on the occasion.

Gandhi’s public speech in Goa was the first public rally attended by the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) leader after she underwent surgery for an undisclosed ailment four months back.

Wearing a blue printed cotton saree and looking a mite less sprightly than her normal self, Gandhi was greeted with a tribal dance performed by a troupe of Kunbi tribe women led by Amelia Gomes.

But contrary to hopes, she did not join the tribal women in a jig as she did in Delhi Friday during a Mahila Congress convention for empowerment of tribal women.

“It is only through the empowerment of women that lasting social development can be achieved,” Gandhi said in her 12-minute speech.

Greeting Goa on the occasion of the 50th year of its liberation from Portuguese rule, Gandhi wished the state well.

“Since we are getting close to the festive season, I wish you Merry Christmas and all of you a happy New Year,” she said.

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