For the first time there will be some restrictions on observation of martyrdom anniversary of the legendary Adivasi Kumram Bheem at Jodeghat in Kerameri mandal of Kumram Bheem Asifabad district, thanks to the election model code of conduct being in force.
While the traditional and cultural aspects of the event will take place as usual, the all important tribal ‘darbar’ will be missing at the 78th edition of the event slated to be held on October 24 thanks to the provisions of the MCC in force due to the December 7 election to Telangana Legislative Assembly.
The MCC does not allow holding of a darbar or court by the district administration which has officials of all departments, sometimes even top government functionaries like Tribal Welfare Minister, attending it.
Instant solutions
In normal times, the tribal people get a chance to air their grievances from such open platform and the presence of all departments facilitates finding of solution to problems rather quickly.
“Normally, we do not get to meet officials in government departments and tell them about our problems personally. This is one of the only two such programmes, the other being the tribal darbar at Keslapur’s Nagoba jatara in Adilabad district, where we get a chance to vent our feelings,” pointed Naitham Ramu, an emerging tribal leader from Wanwat as he talks of the importance of the programme.
The annual event at the far flung Jodeghat commemorates the supreme sacrifice made by Kumram Bheem and 14 others in pursuit of rights on forest land during the rule of the Nizam of Hyderabad. The 15 Adivasis attained martyrdom in September of 1940 but homage is paid to them as per ethnic tradition on the full moon day which follows Dasar festival.
Official function
It was in the late 1970s and the early 1980s that the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA), Utnoor started organising the martyrdom anniversary programme. It funds all the activities which go into its making like organising the darbar, providing transport, food and all that is required to observe rites and rituals during the homage besides showcasing of cultural items.
It was in the 2014 that the State government sanctioned construction of a memorial for the martyr and a museum. These structures have become additional attractions for the the tribal people who arrive here to pay homage to their revered personality.
In a way, this martyrdom anniversary will also be the first anniversary of the Adivasi-Lambada tribe conflict after torching of the Shamki mata statue at Jodeghat museum. Adivasi organisations have planned foot march from various parts of old united Adilabad district to Jodeghat but they will have no official waiting at the historic village to listen to their grievance.
