Pays tribute to the legendary Tribal Freedom Fighter
Nearly 700 tribal language teachers, students, youth, and community leaders join the programme
Tata Steel Foundation (TSF) commemorated tribal freedom fighter Baba Tilka Majhi Jayanti in collaboration with local tribal communities during a day-long prayer service at Giridhardahi in Lembo Panchayat, Sukinda Block of Jajpur district.
The event commenced with the inauguration of a multi-language library, open to all community members. TSF, along with its long-standing partner, the Adivasi Socio Education and Cultural Association, which facilitates tribal language classes in the region, hosted the inaugural ceremony of the library. This library aims to promote tribal languages by instilling pride and creating spaces for conversation of different tribal languages.
The library currently has books in Ho, Munda, Oraon and Santhal languages, which will further promote reading habits to acquire knowledge and wisdom, poised to help one navigate through life, while retaining their identity through language.
The event was attended by Shri Sudarsan Hembrom, General Manager, NTPC; Shri Udaynath Majhi, Retired IRS; Shri Hrushikesh Murmu, RI; and Smt Kalpana Patra, Sarpanch of Lembo Panchayat, among several other tribal leaders and dignitaries.
Nearly 700 tribal language teachers, students, youth, and community leaders from the surrounding villages participated in the commemoration services. Some students performed a short skit highlighting the significance of education. A few members of the Santali community who have consistently coordinated welfare and development work in their respective villages were also felicitated.
Baba Tilka Majhi was a tribal freedom fighter known for leading the first armed rebellion against the British in 1784, marking the beginning of the Santhals’ historical record.
