Adivasis Of Rampa- A Force To Recon With

Rampachodavaram, Rampa for short, is known for its dense jungles, waterfalls and small Adivasis population native to the forests. Hearsay and folklore in Andhra Pradesh goes a long way in remembering and eulogizing the Adivasis of this area who fought under the leadership of Alluri Sita Rama Raju, a valiant, charismatic and Legendary Son of Andhra Pradesh. He gave sleepless nights to British rulers at that time and lead a revolution against them, though short lived but leaving a strong impact on the minds of the colonial leadership as well as the hearts of his own people.

He opposed the Madras forest act of 1887 by the British, which restricted the movement of tribals in their own forests and prevented them from practicing their traditional cultivation (Podu). All the Adivasi tribes in the surrounding forests participated in the fight for their existence and many lost their lives. Alluri Sita Rama Raju was the leader but the Adivasis were his army. Notably two brothers of Koya tribe, by name Mallam Dora and Ghantam Dora supported Alluri Sita Rama Raju in his fight and became his Lieutenants .

The resulting revolution against the restrictions on Adivasis became a strong movement against British and gave stiff challenge to the colonial rulers for more than 2 years, between 1922 to 24. Several police stations were damaged and Police force was destroyed.

While Alluri Sita Rama Raju and Ghantam Dora lost their lives in the revolution, Mallam Dora survived and eventually became a Member of Lok sabha after independence.

Times have changed and Governance has changed but from what is understood from available information in the public domain, there has been little change in the lives of Adivasis . This could be partly due to the resistance of Adivasis to the modernization or the negligence of the government machinery in serving them their rights. More over any change should be aligned with their traditions and customs and preserve them and only then it is acceptable.

The electoral collage of India has chosen to focus its attention on the Adivasis and tribes of India in electing Smt. Draupadi Murmu as the President of India. Being one amongst the Adivasis, she would be sensitive to their needs and expectations. She is the beacon of hope of Adivasis of India. The expectations from the Madam President are high considering the precedence set by her in taking crucial position, as Governor of Jharkhand in protecting Adivasis interests. She will certainly be effective given her successful, long stint in Indian Politics and overwhelming support she has garnered from across all the political parties. Welcome to the 15th President of India, Smt Draupadi Murmu.