Tribal farmers detained as President lays foundation for Jindal power plant - The Hindu

Tribal farmers detained as President lays foundation for Jindal power plant - The Hindu

Charles's Groups | NDTV Social

Charles's Groups | NDTV Social

DD Santali Channel: DD Santali Channel

DD Santali Channel: DD Santali Channel: Proposal Doordashan (DD) Santali , a dedicated round the clock satellite Santali TV channel Proposed location- Dumka, the second capital tow...

                      "Sohrae" at New Delhi  1999

A report by Dr. (Mrs) Cassia Marandi

“Sohrae” the great harvesting festival of Santal tribe was celebrated in New Delhi on 24^th January 1999 at 20, Tuglak Crescent. The Joy was immense, sun was bright, air was breezy, scented with spring flowers. It appeared as if whole nature is in the jolly mood of Sohrae. Our Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the august chief guest. The various folk dances of Jharkhand were performed with much gaiety and joy. Sohrae dance was performed by Sh. Joseph Soren & group, Munda dance by Sh. P. Purti & group, Oraon dance by Ms. Valleria Toppo & group and Sh. Carlos Toppo & group, Ho dance by Sh Samad & party.

Sh Babulal Marandi welcomed the Prime Minister by putting Tribal turban on his head. Then Prime Minister inaugurated the festival by beating the Nagara and lighting the lamp. When Sh. Vajpayee jee started beating the Nagara in one stretch, the joy, the happiness and love for the Tribal people could easily be witnessed radiating from his face.

In welcome speech Sh. Marandi insisted for perseverance of beautiful Tribal culture, language and identity. He said Santal had glorious history. The heroes like Tilka Manjhi, Sido & Kanhu and Birsa Munda had great role in freedom of India.

Shree Atal Bihari Vajpayee addressed the gathering and said that new chapter of festival is added in Delhi. Sohrae festival now became the part of main festivals of the Capital. He assured and believed that this festival would be celebrated in Delhi every year with much joy and fervency. Mentioning the Tribal origin he said if there were any people in India, it were only the Adivasis, They are not only Adivasis, they are Anadivasis. He stressed on overall development of the Indian Tribes. He also stressed that Tribals should be given chances to protect and preserve their culture and identity. Further he said, We should not look down the Tribal people. Tribals- especially Santals have persevered their Culture and Identity for thousand of years despite of many odd and difficult times. He insisted we want unity in diversity. He also praised the Santal Tribal culture and social setup, which is quite harmonious. He ended his speech with all good wishes for the coming years.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

Sh. Som Marandi, the then M.P. from Rajmahal constituency, Santal parganas gave vote of thanks and invited to sing, dance and to enjoy the Sohrae festival.

 Followings are the other VIPs present on the festival: -

1.      Sh. Shibu Soren (M.P.), (R.S.), Chairman JAAC & Chief  JMM .

2. Sh. Prithwi Chand Kisku (Ex. M.P.) from Dumka, Santal Parganas

3. Sh. Ramesh Vaish, Hon'ble Minister of state for steel and Mines.

4. Dr. C. P. Thakur (M.P.)

5. Dr. Reeta Verma. (M.P.)

This festival was organized by:

1.   The Santal Society for Welfare, Cultural and Literary Development, New Delhi.

2.      Jharkhand Society, Delhi

3.      All India Santal Welfare and cultural Society, New Delhi.

And hosted by Minister of state for Forest and Environment, Hon’ble Sh. Babulal Marandi

One memorandum had also been handed over to Hon’ble Prime Minister by Sh. Babulal Marandi which is continued herewith.

Adi Manotan Disom Gomke (Hon'ble Prime Minister), Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee jee,

Hon'ble Shri Babulal Marandi, Minister of state for forest & Environment, and respected Distinguished guests,

JOHAR !

       With immense pleasure we welcome you, Sir. This is our great opportunity that you have come to grace and to participate the Santal's great festival called hathi lekan porob " Sohrae". Sir, this festival represents a thank offering for their main crop paddy, and the festival is associated with great rejoicing. This is the five-day celebration. Unlike the other feasts, it involves much preparation- houses are renewed, new clothes are bought, plenty of rice beer prepared and as many as possible Kith and kin are invited for the celebration. The entire land of Santal bubbles with joy& gaiety on this festival.  This festival is usually celebrated during the months of Dec. and Jan. after harvesting their main crop paddy. On the opening day of the festival the Naeke (village priest) addresses the benevolent Bonga (God) to bless the festival and to keep it free from any harm. The great freedom, the Santal experience at this festival mentally takes them back to the golden age of the Tribe when were in Chae- Champa fort.

     Sir, Sohrae is being celebrated by Santals, a Tribe anthropologically belong to the Austro-Asiatic race. They are the single largest homogeneous tribal group in India. The Santal have been in India since time immemorial. Commenting on the antiquity of the people in this land Biswas an eminent anthropologist writes " If there is any culture which still carries on the impress of the underlying philosophic speculation and order of the thought that was wide spread in India prior to the rise of the Dravidian culture, It was very likely the belief and social order of pre-Dravidian Santals. So in the pre-Aryan and pre-Dravidian culture of India the Santal stand in the limelight. Now their population is nearly about one crore, which is roughly the 1% of the total population of India. At present they are distributed in Jharkhand area, Purnea and Katihar in Bihar, West Bengal, Orissa and Assam in India and in small number in, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan. Indigenous people of India, The Santals should be given immediate attention and thus could be saved otherwise a beautiful creation of God will disappear forever.

Sir we the Santal had glorious history, which can be seen in oral tradition as:

Hihiri pipiri rebon janam lena,

Khoj Kaman rebon Khoj lena.

Harata rebon haralena,

Sasan Beda rebon jatena ho.

In a good land named Hihiri Pipiri we born.

We were sought after (God) in Khoj-Kaman

We replenished again in Harata,

We fixed our social orders in Sasan Beda.

This is the first of their historical credo in which they remember their prehistoric period from the creation to the post annihilation period.

Their another historical credo is preserved in a lament. It goes :

Champa gar do lilibici,

Badoli Koenda lekhan gorhon

Daeage Champa, Badoli Koenda

Daeage gar bon bagiada.

Champa fort was ornamental

Badoli Koenda fort decorative

Oh dear Champa, Badoli Koenda,

Alas! We left them our dear forts.

      These Chae- Champa, Badoli and Koenda forts are their last places of the golden age of their last memory. Here at these places they dwelt for a long period enjoying undisturbed joy, peace and untold prosperity. According to tradition here was their happiest period in their history which they still cherish with nostalgia. The tradition says that at this place they were defeated by some intruder, and were pushed away from the land and even pursued. The ancestors of Santals kept moving from place to place and when they were found by more civilized people, They were found in the last part of Eighteenth century A.D. and were brought into the pages of modern history. Thus we see they had glorious past with definite social set up and they still have their own language, named Santali, Own religion with very rich theology, philosophy and good moral values. They have their good traditional laws and justice too.

     Sir, We the Santals, the bonafied citizen of India want to revive our lost glory, so that we can keep up our glorious socio-cultural and religious identity.

      Sir, you have already shown your great concern and love for Tribals of Jharkhand by tabling Vananchal bill-1998 and which is going to be passed very soon in Lok Sabha. We thank you very much from bottom of our heart for the same. Being motivated with your love and concern for the Tribes we propose followings for the sympathetic and positive considerations by our beloved and able Prime Minister. These are;

1. Statue of martyr Tilka Manjhi be installed at New Delhi and he be given the status of first freedom fighter of India. Tilka Manjhi was born on 11th Feb.1750. He fought the fierce battle against British Govt. in 1771.

2. Statue of martyrs Sido& Kanhu be installed at New Delhi. A well known fierce battle against British Raj call "Santal Hul" in1855-1857 was fought by valiant leaders of the Santals a twin brothers named Sido& Kanhu. In this fight more than ten thousand Santals had sacrificed their lives for the country.

3. Santali religion should be accepted and recognized as a separate religious denomination.

4. Project affected Santals & others by Rajmahal coal project (ECL), Dist-Godda, Santal Parganas should be compensated adequately, rehabilitated properly and satisfactorily. Land should be refilled, leveled and made cultivatable and then given back to the original raiyats when mining is complete.

5. Project affected Santals and others of Uranium mines of Jadugoda, Singhbhum should be protected by ill effect of radiation of Uranium and should be compensated and rehabilitated adequately and properly.

6. Separate Dept. of Santal language and culture should be made under Govt. of India.

Separate fund should be allocated for the promotion of the same. 

7. Sir, as you are aware that present Santal Praganas is the result of great "Santal Hul" in 1855-1857. At that time Santal Praganas land tenancy act 1855 was formed by the British govt. so that land of Santal could be protected from exploiters, oppressors and suppressors. But alas! Even after formation of this law land of Santal have been alienated by 25% till now. Therefore Santal Praganas tenancy act and Chotanagpur tenancy act be made more effective so that land of Santals and other tribes could be retained by them.

8. Sir, It is very sad to tell you that the Santals had constantly been persuaded till now. Few of the examples are 1) massacre of Santals in Purnea on 13^th Dec.1998. 2) Ethnic clashes in Assam since May 1996 and unfortunately still going on, in which many Santals lost their lives and nearly 2.5 lacs rendered homeless. The Santals affected by Purnea massacre on 13 th Dec.1998, Should get their due justice and right and culprit should be punished as early as possible.

b. Santals of Assam should be enlisted as scheduled Tribe in Assam.

c. Santals of Assam nearly 2.5 lacs who are affected by ethnic clashes living in camps should be taken care of. They should be provided food, clothing, shelters medicines and security satisfactorily. They should be brought back to their original village and should be assisted to start their new life again without fear.

9. Sir, this is the last, not the least that Santal language should get its due share among Indian languages. Therefore it should be enlisted in the 8th schedule of the Constitution of India and be made regional language.

      At the conclusion I thank our beloved Prime minister and all present dignitaries on behalf of Jharkhand Society, Delhi; All India Santal welfare & cultural society, New Delhi; The Santal society for welfare, cultural and literary development, New Delhi; with hope that all our genuine aspiration would be fulfilled.

                                                Jai Hind!

Dated-24th Jan. 1999

Now as wished by Hon’ble Prime Minister Sh. Atal Behare Vajpayee “the Sohrae 2000” is the second year celebration in Delhi which is being celebrated with fervency on 23 January 2000 at 20, Tuglak Crescent, New Delhi.

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DD Santali Channel A Proposal by Jharkhand Society, Delhi

DD Santali Channel: "Proposal Doordashan (DD) Santali , a dedicated round the clock satellite Santali TV channel Proposed location- Dumka, the second capital tow..."

DD Santali Channel

Proposal

Doordashan (DD) Santali, a dedicated round the clock satellite Santali TV channel

Proposed location- Dumka, the second capital town of Jharkhand

“Jharkhand Society” considers the need for DD Santali, a dedicated round the clock satellite Santali Channel to be located at Dumka. Hence, it furnishes a proposal for the same with the Government of India. The proposal can be described under the following headings:-

1.    Background

2.    Aims and objectives

3.    Benefits in Educational fields

4.    Socio-cultural benefits

5.    Economical benefits

6.    Political benefits

Background

1.    Via the 92nd Constitutional amendment 2003, Santali language was included in 8^th Schedule. Santali is spoken by Santals, other tribes such as Mahali, Paharia etc. and even by a large number of non-tribals also. Santali is a language in the Munda subfamily of Austro-Asiatic, related to Ho and Mundari. Santali language is spoken by about ten million people in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan. Most of its speakers live in India, in the states of Jharkhand, West Bengal, Orissa, Assam, Bihar and Tripura.

2.    Though Santali speaking people are very large in number, the attention it required was not adequate till now. The socio- economic condition of the Santali tribes also hampers the development and promotion of their language and their socio-cultural heritage, because majority of the Santals are poor.

3.    We the Santali speaking people are thankful to the Government of West Bengal and Orissa who have given chances to Santali speaking people in the regional Doordarshan TV channels of their respective states, though the time slot is very limited, it also needs to be increased in addition to the DD Santali TV Satellite national channel.

Hence, in the direction to develop Santali language and socio-cultural heritage in a multifaceted aspect, “Jharkhand Society” proposes the establishment of a round the clock satellite dedicated Santali Tv channel of Doordarshan at Dumka, the second capital of Jharkhand. Its branch office could be established in the districts of the Indian states where Santali speaking people reside.

Aims and objectives  

1.    To protect and promote Santali language and socio-cultural heritage and create job opportunities.

2.    To enhance social bond and to fasten brotherhood among Santali speaking people as well as with non Santali speaking people.

3.    To protect the Santal and other tribal youths from the people who do not believe in democracy, but want to achieve their goal by armed revolutions.

4.    To establish our proportionate share in national socio-economic and political power by peaceful means.

Benefits in Educational fields

Opportunities in the sphere of education, particularly the competitative examinations. Agricultural programme could be broadcasted for the farmers. Students or youth can be benefited by distant learning programme for many kind of skilled works or technical works etc..

Socio-cultural benefits

1.    As a result of the installation of DD Santali Tv channel, the Santali language will get a chance to grow immensely.

2.    Santali speaking people can be in touch with the national and international news and other events or information regarding society, politics, economy, geography, health etc. from round the world in their own language.

3.    Santali speaking people, lacs in number, can feel at home who are residing outside their ancestral home or home state, in India due to the official posting in Government jobs, private jobs or any other jobs or due to any other purposes. Their children can also be benefited a lot in learning Santali language and can also get mesmerizing information about the rich Santali cultural heritage. Hence, DD Santali would definitely be a milestone achievement for the Santali people.

4.    Santali speaking people could be motivated by the good messages of the government and others for the betterment of the Santal society. Hence likely chance of growth of Santali speaking people en masse in all positive spheres.

5.    Santali speaking people can be brought to the main national stream by tuning them with the policies of the Government with the conformity of social ethos of the santals.

6.    Santali language and culture is, to a great extent, similar to the languages of Mundari, Ho, Mahali etc. Hence this reflects the prominent Jharkhandi identity. DD Santali would surely be an instrument to shine the Jhakhandi identity in the national context. At the same time it fulfills the panchseel for tribals prepared by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru which he had prepared in 1952.

7.    Development in the field of socio-economy with Jharkhandi identity. It will enhance the economical growth symbiotically with the ecology of our country.

Economical benefits

1.    The economy of Santali speaking people can be improved or it can be augmented by installing DD Santali satalite channel. Many people will get employed.  The prospective Santali TV Channel will have tremendous potential in nurturing the innate talents of the tribal youths ultimately leading to employment in various fields.

2.    The dance, drama, song competitions, serials, movies can be promoted which again will employ many people. This will lead to social growth.

3.    Employment of engineers, technicians, skilled worker, semi-skilled workers and unskilled workers would be engaged in film making, serial making or other recording of the varieties of programme. They could be non Santali speaking people also. Hence, indirectly, DD Santali will benefit people from all walks of life. When culture is promoted, when people get healthy entertainment then there will be social change in a positive direction. Peace, social harmony, progress and prosperity will reign the part of vast land mass of India where terror of red corridor is widespread.

Political benefits

The youth, who have been drifted away from main national stream, who have been trapped by the people of different philosophy and ideology, who do not believe in our democracy, who believe in armed struggle; can be safeguarded. We can defeat these people who trap our youth for armed struggle, though our youth join them only for the sake of employment. We have to introspect ourselves also. According to a rough estimate, tribal people possess 15% of the land mass of our country and that 15% of land mass has almost 100% of mineral deposit. Moreover, many large projects are located in tribal people’s land only. Then why are these people poor or underdeveloped?  It is our fault also that we had not taken care of our tribal people as they deserve to be. Hence let us be very serious in dealing with the situation. Let us not kill our own people, instead let there be development in the fields of socio- cultural, economical and political with Jharkhandi identity or with tribal identity. Let us follow the vision of our beloved leader Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru who had spelt out five principles in 1952 popularly known as the Panchsheel for Tribals as follows-

1.    Tribals should be allowed to develop according to their own genius and the State should avoid imposition but encourage their own local traditions and culture.

2.    Tribals’ rights in land and forest should be respected.

3.    Tribal teams should be trained to undertake administration and development without too many outsiders being inducted.

4.    Tribal development should be undertaken without disturbing tribal social and cultural institutions.

5.    The index of tribal development should be the quality of their life and not the money spent.

We remember our great leaders with great respect, Late Smt. Indira Gandhi jee and Late Sh. Rajeev jee also, who had immense love for Tribals. Now we have great expectations from our UPA Government. We believe that Hon’ble Smt. Sonia Gandhi jee will surely take care of the Indian tribal people and she would lead us to better, brighter and secure future.

With full confidence and belief that the proposal of the Jharkhand Society would be considered in the positive direction and the Santali people whose population  are almost one crore would get chance to view their favorite channel DD Santali round the clock very soon.

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Dr. Charles Marandi, General Secretary, Jharkhand Society, Delhi