Adivasi women and men have celebrated International Women's day together by singing, dancing, making merry and sharing their problems.
This is the first -of- it's kind event where Adivasis celebrated the International women's day at Gudihathnoor in the Adilabad district in the state. Adivasi men take an oath to protect the rights of the Adivasi women in their struggles.
The Adivasi women and men demanded the state government remove the Lambadas from the ST' s list.
On this occasion, Thudumdebba leaders felicitated the women who fought for their rights despite being illiterate.
Addressing the people on the occasion, Adivasi women leaders thanked their male counterparts for organizing the exclusive event. Otherwise, they are generally forced to sit in the back seat during International women's day.
Prof Uyke Hamraj of Beed district said that Adivasis have been fighting for their self-respect despite being first to live in this country. They have never caused any harm to nature, unlike non-tribals.
He said that Adivasis are the real protectors of nature. But, they were being exploited by others and now the people from western countries have realized that it is high time we protect the Adivasi’s rights to save the world from all kinds of inhuman activities being done in the name of development.
Adivasi writer Durva Susheela of Bhopal of Madya Pradesh said that Adivasis should protect and respect their unique culture and traditions and that the community matriarchal, where women get their due share and lead the family unlike in other religions and communities.
Research scholar Suvarna Varkhade of Maharashtra said there was a great respect for women and that they enjoy the equal rights unlike mainstream society.
Asst Prof Kancharla Valentina said the Adivasi women are affected more by the displacement due to open cast mines and that women are not getting a place to even attend nature's call. She alleges that Singareni management has failed to implement better rehabilitation and resettlement package for Adivasis displaced due to mines.
Dr Naitham Sumatha stressed on imparting educating the children as education is the only weapon in the lives of the Adivasis and it will enable them to question their rights and have an idea of various schemes implemented for them.
State General Secretary of the 'Thudumdebba Adivasi Mahila' wing Atram Suguna called uAdAdivasAdivasi women to actively participate in the agitation to remove the Lambadas from the STs list.
Asifabad MLA Kova Laxmi said Chief Minister K.ChandRaRaohaRaoso was ready to resolve the problems faced by the Adivasis.
She said that they will mount pressure on the state government to rescue the Adivasis and protect their rights in the t between Adivasis and Lambadas. Former MLA Atram Sakku called upon the Adivasis to unite to remove the Lambadas from the STs list.
