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Hirabai Lobi, who uplifted Siddis, dead | Rajkot News


Rajkot: Padma Shri awardee, Hirabai Lobi, a social worker of African origin, passed away at her home at Jambur village in Gir Somnath district on Friday. Lobi was 65 and is survived by two sons and a daughter.
Gir Somnath district collector D D Jadeja confirmed her demise. Lobi’s last rites were performed in the village on Friday.
Lobi was a member of the African-origin Siddi community. She was conferred Padma Shri for uplifting the women and educating the children of Siddi tribe.
According to Hasam Musangara, a Siddi leader of Gir Somnath district and a relative of Hirabai, “She died suddenly. We came to know that she died of a heart attack. She was cremated in the village. Her death is a great loss to the community.”
She worked for the welfare of the Siddi community. She connected the women of the Siddi community with banking channels, created employment for them, and provided education to the children of the community.
Reliance director of corporate affairs, Parimal Nathwani, posted on X: “Padma Shri Hirabai Lobi Ji’s demise is a huge loss to society. She empowered the Siddi tribe with education and financial independence through her Balwadis and Mahila Vikas Foundation. Her extraordinary work will be remembered as a shining example of dedication and compassion. Prayers of strength to her family in this hour of grief.”
Members of the Siddi community settled here before India’s Independence. It is believed that they migrated from Africa to various parts of India, including Junagadh. After Independence, they settled in Jambur village of Talala taluka which now falls in Gir Somnath district.





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