Subheadline: Convention calls for united movement to safeguard Adivasi identity, culture, Jal-Jangal-Zameen and constitutional rights; Maha Rally to be held in Ranchi in October-November.
Ranchi: A statewide people's campaign to protect Adivasi identity, culture, Jal-Jangal-Zameen (water, forests and land) and constitutional rights was announced at the 'Adivasiyat Sanrakshan Samvad' (Dialogue on the Protection of Adivasi Identity) held at the Old Assembly Hall in Ranchi on Monday. Representatives of various social, cultural and people's organisations resolved to launch a long-term democratic movement against what they described as growing cultural, social, economic and political attacks on Adivasiyat. The convention also announced that an 'Adivasiyat Bachao Maha Rally' will be organised in Ranchi during October-November.
Addressing the gathering, Rajni Murmu of the Adivasi Feminist Organisation, Santhal Pargana, said Adivasiyat is not merely an identity but a way of life rooted in equality, community values and harmonious coexistence with nature. She stressed that Adivasi women must play a central role in safeguarding the community's cultural identity and constitutional rights and called for a united, long-term struggle to protect their distinct identity.
Social activist Riya Tulika said the struggle for Adivasiyat is not limited to protecting the identity of Adivasis but is also a campaign to defend the Constitution, democratic values and social justice. She urged all democratic and progressive sections of society to unite against increasing threats to Adivasi languages, culture, traditions and their rights over Jal-Jangal-Zameen. She also appealed to youth and women to take the campaign to every village and ensure wider public participation.
Dayamani Barla, popularly known as the 'Iron Lady', said Jal-Jangal-Zameen are not merely natural resources but the very foundation of Adivasi existence and identity. She asserted that attempts to weaken Adivasi culture, traditions and constitutional rights must be countered through democratic means and said the movement to protect Adivasiyat would be intensified from villages to the state capital through broad public mobilisation.
Several speakers alleged that continuous attempts are being made to dilute the independent identity of the Adivasi community. They expressed concern over efforts to describe Adivasis as "Vanvasi", claiming that such terminology undermines their distinct cultural and religious identity. Speakers also voiced concern over the long-pending demand for the Sarna Religion Code and called for democratic resistance against attempts to erode Adivasi history, culture and traditional values.
The convention emphasised that the Adivasi community should not confine its struggle solely to protecting its own identity but should build a broader movement in solidarity with all oppressed and marginalised sections fighting for democratic rights. It resolved to launch a statewide awareness campaign linking the values of Adivasiyat with wider social concerns.
Several resolutions were adopted at the end of the meeting. These include launching a long-term joint campaign from villages to the state capital, organising divisional and district-level conventions, holding the 'Adivasiyat Bachao Maha Rally' in Ranchi during October-November, and constituting a working group to coordinate the campaign. Social organisations, youth, women and intellectuals were urged to actively participate in the movement.
Among those who addressed the convention were Bahadur Oraon, Bindu Soren, Baha Linda, Chandra Prabhat Munda, Devki Nandan Bedia, Damu Munda, Jyoti Kujur, Kumar Chandra Mardi, Prakash Purti, Prakash Toppo, Renu Oraon, Rose Khakha, Siddheshwar Sardar, Sushila Bodra, Sushma Biruli and Shyamal Mardi.
The programme was jointly conducted by Basing Hassa, Demka Soy, Elina Horo, Ramesh Jerai, Sukhnath Lohra and Sadhu Ho.
Representatives of several Adivasi and Jharkhand-based organisations from across the state participated in the dialogue. The organisers concluded with a joint declaration to carry forward a long-term democratic struggle against cultural, social, economic and political challenges facing Adivasiyat.
The event was jointly organised by the Jharkhand Janadhikar Mahasabha, Adivasi Adhikar Manch, Gaon Ganrajya Parishad, Adivasi Sangharsh Morcha, Adivasi Samanvay Samiti, Sanyukt Gram Sabha, Visthapit Mukti Vahini, Johar, Jharkhand Kshetriya Padha Samiti, Adivasi Bachao Morcha, and several other organisations.
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