Mysuru, September 30, 2022 (www.justkannada.in): “There is no reference about the tribal leaders and icons who struggled for the freedom of our country from the Britishers. It is very important to create awareness among the younger generation about the contributions of those true Indians,” observed Prof. G. Hemanth Kumar, Vice-Chancellor, University of Mysore.
He participated in a lecture program on the topic, “Role of tribals in Indian Independence,” organized by the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes and Indian Tribals Welfare Ashrama, held at the Fine Arts College auditorium in Manasa Gangotri campus.
Today I will recall the stories of all those freedom fighters whom not many know. Such stories inspire us to work for the development of our country and our people. The tribals of Santal area had rebelled against the British as early as 1770. Telka Manji had built an army of tribals who were trained in using bow and arrows. They had started the ‘Santaal Hool’, during the drought in Santaal region, about 70 years before Mangal Pandey.
Apart from organized movements and rebellions, there is big list of personal sacrifices of the tribal community. However, many people who sacrificed their lives for our freedom have not been included in the history. Thus, the tirbal community who contributed immensely for the freedom of our country are today witnessing social-economical and health disparities. The tribal community are one among those communities that are on the verge of extinction, he said.
MLC Shantaram Siddhi, UoM Registrar Prof. R. Shivappa, NCERT Honorary Advisor Dr. C.R. Satyanarayana, Prof. R. Shekar Nayak and others were present.
Keywords: University of Mysore/ tribal leaders/ Independence/ contribution
