Padma Shri awardee Simon Oraon, who is popularly known as Jhakhand’s Waterman, called the tribal people of Jharkhand to re-adopt the way of life of their forefathers if they wish to remain strong. He was addressing a gathering during the meeting of Akhil Bharatiya Adivasi Vikas Parishad on Tuesday.
Several orators, including National Chairperson of the Parishad, Somji Damor, and renowned Jharkhand folk artist Mukund Nayak, discussed about the contemporary problems faced by the State’s aboriginal populace.
“The societal structure our forefathers left for us had solutions to every problem–basic education was taken care of, disputes were solved within the society–but we have forgotten these values. Tribals of Jharkhand are unaware of their privileges and land rights. We squandered the legacy bestowed upon us,” said Oraon.
We need to be aware of our rights and recognise our history, he added.