ADIBASI SANGBAD-FIRST TRIBAL NEWSPAPER IN INDIA

ADIBASI SANGBAD

Reported by Pranab Hazra, Bankura.

Aajkaal

Edition 13, volume 166, Thursday 18 Bhadra, 1915, Shakabda, 23 Bhadra 1400 Bangabdo, 9^th September 1993

It’s a great news that the news of the first tribal newspaper in India called “Adibasi Sangbad” was published from Khatra in South Bankura got an importance in your newspaper.  Lakshimdra Kumar Sarkar motivated the tribal families.  Three types of reactions can be observed from this initiative.  They are suspicion, enthusiasm and fear.  There is suspicion that before the researchers usurped money of the government in the name of tribal research and book publication.  They got their reputation.  But there was no communication between the educated people, researchers and the tribals.  There was no development of the tribals.  The innocent tribals have understood that this is a betrayal from the educated society.  For a few years, some work was going on with the tribal society, though there was suspicion, there is interest and enthusiasm in the publication of “Adibasi Sangbad.”  I have not seen such an enthusiasm just from the second day after the birth of a newspaper.  On the other hand, this enthusiasm has created a fear.  There is an adequate natural resources in the forests of these tribals.  The valuable natural resources get depleted due to the traders of the city.  One section of the tribals are immersed in superstitious beliefs.  They are satisfying their own needs.  They are afraid that the “Adibasi Sangbad” will enter the society and create awareness.  As a result, the vicious circle will be exposed.  These people are always busy planning to stab the infant.

LAKSHIMDRA KUMAR SARKAR--HIS LIFE AND ACTIVITIES BEFORE NGO

LAKSHIMDRA KUMAR SARKAR

Lakshimdra Kumar Sarkar was born on April 1, 1956.  He was born at Lohia Hospital in Kolkata. 

His mother is late Srimati Lakshmi Sarkar.  She was a housewife.  She was a social worker.  She loved to help poor people with food, clothes and money.  L.K. Sarkar was named by a reputed economist named Arun Ghosh. 

His father is  Manindra Kumar Sarkar and is now 82 years old.  He is working in the printing department in Aajkaal newspaper.  His father was a football player, singer and a fashionable person.  He had great aesthetic sense.  He had a good writing style.  He used to write the prefaces of books written by Bibhuti Chakraborty (DCDD) during the time of Siddhartha Shankar Roy. 

He received his primary education at Chittaranjan High School in Kasba.  He studied there upto class 12 and passed out higher secondary examination in 1974.  Then he studied Commerce at Charu Chandra College in 1976.  He did a diploma in journalism from Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in Calcutta.  He was trained in photography from Subrata Patranabish, Chief Photographer of Statesman.  He went to Delhi in 1977 and stayed at Daryaganj.  He worked as a Stenographer in Eastern Law House for one year upto 1978.  Then he shifted to journalism in 1978. 

Lakshmindra Kumar Sarkar worked as a freelance journalist in Sundarban.  During his travel to Sundarban, he got in touch with a large number of tribes living there and he was guided by Niranjan Haldar who was the assistant editor of the reputed newspaper called Ananda Bazaar.  He studied the tribes like Sardar, Oraon, Munda, Mahali, Santal, etc from close quarters.  During his stay in Sundarban, he wrote a novel “Jeevan Nadir Tirey.”  He studied the tribals of Bankura and Purulia from 1980. 

On March 25, 1981, he joined Aajkaal, a popular Bengali newspaper.  He wrote in a number of little magazines.  He organized rallies on different occasions during his service as a journalist from 1981 to 1990.  In 1993, he resigned from Aajkaal on October 1.  He fully devoted the rest of his life to the social welfare and upliftment of the tribals.  He started an organization for promoting the Bengali literature in Kolkata, which was named “The Progressive Federation of Bengali Literature and Culture.”  This organization was run for 10 years.  At present, he has an office of his NGO in Belghoria. 

DISTINGUISHING PERSONALITIES WHO CAME TO ATTEND OUR PROGRAM AT KHATRA

In the year of 1997, on the occasion of Hool Day at Khatra Pipe Ground on 30^th June, 1997, a Santal activist and writer of Purulia, Gomosta Prasad Saren felicited Dr. Srabani Chakraborty is given Manpatra to Gomosta Prasad Saren.

In the year 2002,

Khatra ACDC felicited three distinguishing personalities of Bankura district at Khatra Bapi Lodge auditorium on 2^nd October 2002.

Sisir Sannal, Jamunalal Bajaj Award Winner, Sri Sailen Das, Social Worker and folklorist and secretary of Bankura Lok Sankrity Academy.  Dr. Nomita Mandal, National Award Winner of NATIONAL TEACHER.

Eminent personalities present on that occasion were as follows:

1.     Mrs. Anjali Hembram, President of Khatra ACDC.

2.    Satyanarayan Karmakar district officer SC/ST welfare department, Bankura.

3.    Anil Kanchan Mitra, a respectable person of Khatra.

4.    Freedom fighter Lachman Singh.

5.     Manik Mitra, a social worker.

6.      Manju Chakraborty.

7.        Sabyasachi Mondol, moderator of that programme.

8.       Dhiren Dutta, Ex-Pradhan Khatra –I.

9.       Satadal Dutta (who inaugurated the programme is S.D.O.)

10.     S.N. Roy (CBWE Education Officer).

11.   Gambhir Singh, journalist of Anandabazar Patrika.

12.     Makar Tudu, Ex-Pradhan Khatra 2.

13.   Aparna Neogi (Councillor, Kolkata Municipality Corporation attended on June 30, 2002 at Khatra.  She read a script on Santal Movement at Gurusaday Mancha at Khatra).

14.     Samim Hosain, writer of Hool Natak (Hool drama).

15.   Sahadad Hossain, NIPU Director of Lok Natya Dall.

16.     Prof. Niranjan Adhikary.

17.     Director of Bangla Doordarshan.

18.     L.K. Sarkar.                                    

These personalities were present on  30^th June, 2002 at Khatra on HOOL DAY.

JAWAHARLAL NEHRU SAID:”We aim at a strong, free and democratic India where every citizen has an equal place and full opportunity of growth and service, where present day inequalities in wealth and status have ceased to be, where our vital impulses are directed to creative and cooperative endeavor.  In such an India, communalism , separatism, isolation, untouchability, bigotry, and exploitation of man by man have no place, and while religion is free, it is not allowed to interfere with the political and economic aspects of a nation’s life.  If that is so, then all this business of Hindu and Muslim and Christian and Sikh must cease in so far as our political life is concerned and we must build a united but composite nation where both individual and national free down are secure.”

SANTALI LANGUAGE AND ENVIRONMENT

DEBATE:  TOPIC

SANTALI LANGUAGE AND ENVIRONMENT

Seminar on Environmental Pollution held on 20 November 2000 at Paschimbanga Bangla Academy.  Rarh Bangla Sambad organised this seminar.  From left standing Shyamal De, a social worker, sitting Mrs. Saraswati Sarkar, a social scientist, Dr. Sankar Chakraborty, a social scientist, Amalendu Roy ,Ex-project director, Purulia district science centre and Amalesh Chowdhury, activist participated this seminar.

Aajkal’s report:  “The Position of Santali Language after 50 years of Independence: An important Seminar was organized on Saturday on Initiative of Individual, Society and Nation” and “Environment in Different View” at Pashchimbanga Bangla Academy.  The organizers are the representatives of people of Bengal “Rarh Bangla Sambad” and “Poribesh Chetana Samiti.”  The speakers on environment are Professor Amalesh Chaudhury, Nilotpal Dutta, Saraswati Sarkar, Shankar Chakraborty, Amalendu Ray, Dr. Subhendu Mukherjee and Shyamal Dey.  The speakers on Santali language are Dhirendranath Baskey, Gurucharan Murmu, Saradaprasad Kisku, Baidyanath Soren, Purnachandra Soren, Kushal Baskey, Subodh Hansda and Lakshimdra Kumar Sarkar.  Rabindra Sangeet was sung by Jayanti Soren.  The program took away everybody’s attention.

Aajkaal:  22 November 2000.

L.K. SARKAR AND KACDC OBSERVED INDEPENDENCE DAY ON 15TH AUGUST, 2003 AT BARODA SABAR COLONY, MUKUTMANIPUR, BANKURA

L.K. SARKAR AND KACDC OBSERVED INDEPENDENCE DAY ON 15^TH AUGUST, 2003 AT BARODA SABAR COLONY, MUKUTMANIPUR, BANKURA AND ALSO ORGANIZED A SEMINAR ON “TRIBAL UNREST ALL OVER INDIA AND HOW TO BEING ALL OUT DEVELOPMENT.”  SABAR CHILDREN AND MEN, WOMEN, ALSO PARTICIPATED IN THIS SEMINAR AND RALLY.

Sabar children rally with this slogan that “WE ARE NOT BORN CRIMINAL” please give our rights and all facilities which was recorded in our Indian constitution.  Please do not avoid us.

Tribal unrest all over India and how to bring all out development “this seminar” held at Boroda Sabar Colony, near Mukutmanipur.  Sabar boys and girls are demanding with in front of banner.

Group formation meeting with tribal male volunteers at Mosleha Primary School Premises L.K. Sarkar talking.

At Khejuria village of Ranibandh block, L.K. Sarkar talked with villagers to know the problems there.

HUL BY ARTISTS FROM BANGLADESH AT KHATRA

Sadhan Kumar Mandal, Bankura:  On 30^th June, a ‘Hul Maha’ Festival has celebrated by the Khatra Adibasi Culture and Development Center and it is celebrated every year.  It was held at Gurusaday Mancha of Khatra.  A drama called “Hul” was performed by a group called “Loknatyadal” in Bangladesh.  “Khatra Mahakuma Sahitya Sanskrity Bashar” is a reputed organization has come forward to organize this where there are young writers and artists.  Manik Mitra, Anjali Hembram, Santanu Barat, Aparna Niyogi, Biswajit Singh Mahapatra, Dr. Rajsekhar, Dr. Parthasarathi Roy, Sushanta Kobiraj, Swapan Roy, Pranab Hazra, Sabyasachi Mondol, Amalendu Mandal, Tulsicharan Mondal and Harimoti Mallick, Mithun Sengupta and Khatra People’s Cooperative Bank etc. well-wishers and organization.  The artists of Bangladesh danced the “Karam” dance of Santals and toured different areas of Khatra.  The Bangladeshi artists danced in the same way like the Santals.  This is a noteworthy cultural event in Khatra.  Lakshimdra Kumar Sarkar lectures in 3 steps.  The guests present on the stage were Niranjan Adhikary, a noted professor of Sanskrit and Pali in the Dhaka University, dramatist Shamim Ehsaan, director Shahadat Hosain Nipu, the owner of Loknatyadal Alamgir Ratan,   Aparna Neogi who is the councilor of ward No. 70 and a noted social worker, the chairman of the organization, Anjali Hembram etc.  Madhumita Ray recited a self-composed poetry at the beginning of the session.  They gave an informative lecture on “Hul.”  Shakhadat Hosain Nipu, director of Loknatyadal told us about drama that “While presentation of drama, I consciously followed the Middle Age Bengali drama style.”   But I did not want to get involved particularly.  The idea of “empty space” , the style of Brecht and something which cannot be explained through grammar   has preoccupied his mind.  In the words of Rabindranath Tagore, it can be said, ‘the assimilation of heritage and modernity.’ 

The dramatist Shamim Ehsaan says ‘Shakhadat Hosain Nipu has inspired me to write this Hul drama. I agreed to write it but I do not know much about Santals.  As drama is a literature, I have imagined a lot and created it.  So I sacrificed the truth.  In the direction of the play, director Shakhadat Hosain Nipu has worked untiringly.  He applied his intelligence.  We are really indebted to Dhirendranath Baskey, the tribal expert of West Bengal.  In the second half, there was a cultural program. 

encouragement from mahasweta devi on Mr. Sarkar's achievement and other activities

I will be happy and interested to see many editions of the book –MAHASWETA DEVI

I am waiting for a long time to see this book of Lakshmindra Sarkar to get published.  This work has great importance.  Lakshimdra has done something that was not done before.  The belief of witch cult was not restricted to the adibasi society.  There is belief in witch cult and other superstitions in nontribal society and tantric methods are applied to ward off evil spirits.  The murders of people accusing them as witches are more in number in the Santal society and Ho society of Singhbhum.  In the last few years, the number has increased.  A vicious circle works in the murder of a witch.  Because behind the motive of every murder, there is grieve.  Along with it, the belief of witch cult is there.  The good news is that in the society of the tribals, a disbelief and the protest has started.

The noted Santal poet Saradaprasad Kisku is a brave fighter and a social worker.  For this reason, Saraprasad and his co-fighters had to pay a price and is still paying it.  Still they firmly believe in themselves.  If it happened in some other country, then Saradaprasad and his co-fighters would have been proudly recognized.  We do not know how to pay respect to the respected people.  People should be united to fight against witch cult.  On the basis of this book, ‘witch cult should be banned by law.’  This protest can also be done.    The socially conscious and scientific minded people will also take part.  I will be very happy to see many editions of the book and will be encouraged.

A DIFFERENT PROTEST

Written by Bikraman Nair

(Noted journalist-Anandabazar)

The people of West Bengal are aware of the anti-witch movement in Purulia.  The superstition of the Santals in Bengal and Bihar became significant.  The social scientists think there are two reasons behind it.  Firstly, this protest is to acquire political power.  Secondly, an aged poet is supporting the young protestors in the public protest.  Saradaprasad Kisku taught us how to go through the tough times and the Bengalis must learn a lesson from them and go back to their youth protest.

When Mr. Sarkar was young, he started the work of bridging the gulf between the tribals and the nontribals.  In spite of being their companion in good and bad times, they were still unknown to us.  The author’s book on ‘Santali Bhasha, Lipi O Sahityochorchar Eatibritto’ is an account of the language and culture of the Bengal’s biggest community.  It is an account of the history of the anti-witch movement of Purulia and a contemporary struggle in the tribal life.  Mr. Sarkar is the right person who has introduced us the ‘contemporary protest’ in the political atmosphere of West Bengal. 

In nine chapters, after the first chapter of emergence of witch, the public protest that started and the description has been given serially.  The murder of Jagaran Soren, the trial of Sudhir-Milan, through a peculiar cultural revolution, the inside story has been mentioned here.

The neglect of those living in the plains and the suspicion of the political workers – both of them ignored Sarada and his followers.  Among them Mahadeb Hansda and Rupchand Hansda are worth mentioning.  They have asked the society to wake up and they have incorporated science and logic.  We must know the story.  Other than this, more work needs to be done.  This history compels us to think in the right way.

The reports published in different newspapers, the letters of Saradaprasad Kisku, the leader of the protest and the report of PUCL  are the references of the book.

 

 

AAJKALER AYENA

Volume No. 27, Monday 6^th Baisakh, 1405.  20^th April, 1998.

AWARDED LAKSHMINDRA

Born in Kolkata.  Age 42.  He has researched on folk culture and tribes.  The two books that have created sensation among the tribes and the intellectuals are “Santali Bhasha, Lipi o Sahityacharchar Eatibritto” and “Puruliar Daini Birodhi Andolan.”  Some books related to tribal society are near to completion.  He left the fixed job of “Aajkaal” and he worked on the tribal society intensively for many years.  He had set up an organization at Khatra of Bankura district with hard work.  Khatra Adibasi Cultural and Development Center.  Along with the protection of the cultural heritage, he was actively involved in the economic development of the native people.  Mr. Sarkar who is a follower of Saradaprosad Kisku who first led the anti-witch movement, is a well known name.  Governor K.V. Raghunath Reddy had awarded him for his remarkable achievement.  Lakshindra Kumar Sarkar did not get any government help or grant.  Though he has a huge debt, he is still carrying on his work.  He trained the tribal boys and girls and published a full length newspaper.  He named it:  Adibasi Songbad.  It had to be stopped due to financial reasons.  Subsequently he published a monthly journal called “Rarh Bangla Songbad.”  Lakshimdra is engaged in developing branches of “Manimela” through that will help give moral education to the children.  He had to travel the mountains and roads of the villages in a bicycle.  For the self-employment of the old people, he has started workshops for training in handicrafts.  Lakshindra has set up the village women society.

THE VILLAGES BECKONED

(by G.V. Nair, Telegraph 22 December 1994)

If you want towork for the uplift of the villagers, the first thing to do is to go and live among them.  “No one could grudge Rabindranath Tagore the right to give this advice, for he himself,  scion of an aristocratic family in Calcutta, pent the larger part of his adult life in villages.  From Vidyasagar downwards , Bengal has seen a stream of men and women work, leave the cities to work in rural ideals are held at a low premium ; and sometimes, it is a flood, as in the late sixties, the Golden Age of revolution.

Lakshmindra Kumar Sarkar and his wife Srabani, who could be seen sitting in a tiny bookshop, “R.B. Sarkar  Prakashani” at Khatra, a small town wedged between Bankura and Purulia districts, have kept alive this tradition to this day.  Selling books comes secondary, a way to earn a frugal livelihood.  The main concern is their work among the tribal population.

The bookshop also happened to be the office of the Khatra Adibasi Culture and Development Centre, there these two might be found in the bookshop surrounded by a group of young Santals walking along dusty village paths talking to young adibasis.

Mr. Lakshmindra Sarkar,  a journalist from Calcutta till two years ago, had met Sraboni in one of his frequent visits to tribal villages in the Bengal-Bihar border area.  She was doing research for her doctorate on the ‘Bengali Influence on Adibasi Culture,’ marriage soon followed.  Editing the first adibasi newspaper Adibasi Sambad, and writing two books one a chronicle of the antidan movement in Purulia and the other a history of the Santali language and literature, are the high watermark of Lakshmindra’s interaction with the tribal life and culture.  He must have found the combination of daily grind in a city newspaper and work among the adibasis increasingly impossible to sustain.  One morning there appeared a notice one room flat in pottery road “Left for villages, never to return, New address – R. B. Sarkar Prakashani, Khatra, Bankura district.

THE SCHEMES THAT LAKSHMINDRA WANTS TO IMPLEMENT IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS

THE SCHEMES THAT LAKSHMINDRA WANTS TO IMPLEMENT IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS

1.        Train at least 5000 tribal youths on development journalism.

2.       Set up Tribal Press-club.

3.       Generate Self-Employment through cooperative society.

4.       Set up press (both letter and computer) for the development of tribal language ,literature and culture.

5.       Train the tribal peasant about modern agriculture.

6.       Set up boarding schools for the poorest tribal girls and boys.

7.       Set up a museum and research center to commemorate the works of famous tribal poet, artists and authors.  Different festival informations and photographs of festivals an archive on folk culture.

8.       Regularize the ADIBASI SAMBAD and RARH BANGLA SAMBAD.

Sahitya Academy Award Winner and first editor of Santali Patrika “Horsambad” (Published by Bihar government) Mr. Doman Sahu ‘Samir’ wrote a letter to Mr. L.K. Sarkar.

Dr. Doman Sahu ‘Samir’                                                                                                                Samir Kuthia

                                                                                                                                                T-Bilasi-814117

                                                                                                                                                November 24, 1986
Dear Sarkarjee,

                I am very much pleased and thankful to you to receive today two pieces of the “Aaj-Kaal” dated 16-11-86, containing the article ‘olchiki lipi prosongey’ and dated other.  I am , therefore, forced to write you in English, I hope you will not mind it. 

                I was really delighted to go through both the article so nicely written by you.  I wonder to see that you have gathered a lot of information about “Olchiki” and you are a news hunter’ just as a news man should be.  I very much appreciate your approach on the subject and thank you for the same from the care of my heart.

                As regards the coverage on myself, it is more or less appreciable.  Precisely, yet very lucidly, you have touched almost every point to be noted.  You hold a university awarded me the D. Litt. Degree (not the Vidyasagar’ one).  The Vidyasagar (Bhagalpur), not by the Bhagalpur University.  (2) The Purulia Santali Literary Council Any way, all is well that ends well.  And, you saw my tears rolling down too!  Wonderful indeed!  Thank you once more.

                I am sorry, I could not write to you earlier.  I am happy to recall our happy company, amidst our inconveniences too, during our stay at Jamtoria and Darikadoba as well as during on journey from Darikadoba.

                Best o.K. with best wishes and love to you.

                                                                                                                                                Sincerely yours

                                                                                                                                                Sd/- Doman Sahu

                                                                                                                                                24/11/86.

               

LETTER OF APPRECIATIO OF ADIBASI SAMBAD AND RARH BANGLA SAMBAD FROM DR. SHYAMAL GUPTA.

Dr. Shyamal Gupta is a judicial magistrate, Khatra Court, P.O. Khatra, district Bankura -722140.  (formerly deputy magistrate, and deputy collector Purulia, formerly judicial magistrate, first class, Howrah, formerly Garhbeta Munsif court, Garhbeta, formerly member of W.B. Civil service (executive), formerly member of W.B. Audit and Accounts Service, gold medalist ‘distance educationist’, Shiromoni award winner ,Rabindra Gyan Tirtha, academic counselor ,Indira Gandhi National Open University, Advisor of Indian Board of Alternative Medicine, member of the Indian Society of Criminology, International Holistic Medical Society, Council of Sex Educatoin and Parenthood, Indian Society for Natural Family Planning.

Dr. Shyamal Gupta,

Judicial Magistrate,

Khatra Court , P.O. Khatra,

District Bankura- 722140.

West Bengal                                                                                                                                       Dated:  18^th April, 1998.

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

I have an opportunity to go through some old copies of ADIBASI SAMBAD & RARH BANGLA SAMBAD (‘Bengali Newspapers), edited by Sri Lakshmindra Kumar Sarkar of Khatra and found those most interesting and inspirational for the development of Tribal Communities and local people of Bankura/Purulia area.  Aid and assistance, support and strength from all corners, specially from the local elites are highly needed for its continuous publication and elevation.  Unless the local people, tribal communities are motivated and awakened over their needs and problems, the real purpose of such publication will not be achieved.

I wish the success of both these newspapers and hope for continuous struggle of tribal communities for its excellence.  Finally , I wholeheartedly appreciate the yeoman’s service and sacrifice of the editor.

Shyamal  Gupta

Judicial Magistrate, Khatra.

 

LAKSHMINDRA KUMAR SARKAR

This is introduce that Sri Lakshmindra Kumar Sarkar, son of Manindra Kumar Sarkar, at Khatra district, Bankura, Pin 722140 (West Bengal, India), is a distinguished Journalist,  Social Worker and the friend of Tribal Communities who fully devoted his life to uplift tribal populaces in different corners.

Since 1979 he visited several interior tribal villages of Bengal, Bihar, Orissa and Chotanagpur areas and from Khatra subdivision town of Bankura district.  He is trying with some Santal men and women to bring a radical change in tribal societies, socioeconomic and cultural structure.  He is the first man of tribes and nontribes, introduced ‘first full size tribal newspaper (for the adibasi and by the adibasi) “ADIBASI SAMBAD” under the editorship by him, “he felt, the city’s dailies were not doing justice to the tribals.”  Therefore this newspaper was called for whena people have not only something to say, but more so, when they have things to complain about, to denounce and to applaud.  By that yardstick, ADIBASI SAMBAD promises to become the articulate voice of a large section of indigenious people of our state, whom development seems to have bypassed, whose forest wealth has been plundered, all in the name of development.  He started a program initiating young boys and girls into journalism.  About 250 boys and girls have been taught the basic tenets.  Now they can run a newspaper on their own. 

Recently he formed ADIBASI PRESS CLUB with the help of ADIBASI YOUTH ASSOCIATION OF KOLKATA. Tribal people and also our organizations are so much impressed about L.K. Sarkar’s activities, they have started calling him “ADIBASI SARKAR”  as a mark of respect.  

I personally feel,  he is the REAL FRIEND AND HELPFUL MAN OF TRIBAL COMMUNITIES to uplift tribal populace.  We, the tribal people, need his help and support.

I wish, all the concerned authorities ,as well as the donor funding agencies, well wishers are requested to render all help and cooperation to continue his moral endeavor.

LAKSHMINDRA KUMAR SARKAR – THE CREATOR OF HIS OWN DESTINY

LAKSHMINDRA KUMAR SARKAR – THE CREATOR OF HIS OWN DESTINY

By Amrit Ghosh ( Freelance Journalist)

-Stand up, behold, be strong, take the whole responsibility on your shoulders and know you are the creator of your own destiny.  All strength and succor you want is within yourself.  Therefore make your own future.”    SWAMI VIVEKANANDA.

“I did not get down to this mission after going through there text of Swami Vivekananda.  Trudging through the forest, hills and crossing numerous rivers and streams  of Bengal andBihar.  I had the opportunity to see the shocking distress poverty, illiteracy and superstation among the tribal people.  The son of the soil are crying for succour instantly.  I decided to do something for these neglected people.  I want to lead them to a kind of life that is brightened with independence, freedom and happiness.  I may not get anybody in the noble endeavour.”  Yet I will march forward keeping in mind Rabindranath Tagore – “If nobody response to your summons move ahead alone.”

CONSCIOUSNESS WAVE AT THE FAR SOUTH OF BANKURA

 Crossing through the newspapers we frequently came to know the unprecedented success of left front government in its 24 years rule.  But monumental failure of the left government are swept under the earpet as no newspaper comes out with the truth.  People are kept in the Dark with all politeness.  I humbly want to drive home a few short coming of left government to chief minister Buddhadev Bhattacharjee and his cabinet colleagues.

In the 24 years of left front rule ,the benefits of education,  health , electricity, irrigation and road communication, eludes thousands of villages living in hundreds  of villages.  Particularly the negligence of tribal areas are really eye soring.  The nontribals through their maneuvering capacity manage to get their demand fulfilled.  But who can fight for these poverty stricken, illiterate, depressed tribals? Who lend voice for these voiceless people.

Yet not only many nongovernment organizations but a few persons have already been working sincerely for the upliftment of these backward hopeless people setting aside their own career and personal comfort and pleasure.

Lakshmindra Kumar Sarkar one of them who is born (01.04.1956) at Kolkata and brought up in Kolkata.  But the pitiable condition of the tribal people moved him so hard that he repeatedly reached the far flung areas of Rural Bengal and brought to the light the plight of these downtrodden people in different daily newspapers through his lively description and incisive criticism of the government.

Sometimes he had to walk 18 km at a stretch to reach one tribal village to another, swam across river only to reach and collect news about their culture, custom and literature and the eminent personalities among them.  Mr. Sarkar   did not wash his hands off on penning his experience in newspaper.  He has deeply involved himself with the Noble Task of usher in light of Development in tribal society.  Mr. Sarkar joined, the Bengal Daily.  “Aajkaal” in the year 1981 from it very inception.   Earlier he worked under a publication concern (name is Eastern Law House 54 Ganesh Chander Avenue, Kolkata -13).

He had the opportunity to spend a few months at the Law books publications, ‘Dariagunge’ office in Delhi.  During that time he developed a good relation with the Bengali Community of the area.  Basically relinquished the job fulfill his long cherished dream of becoming a journalist.

Finding no job at hard he started visiting the tribal areas of Bankura, Purulia, Sundarban and Chotanagpur district of Bihar.  Being a freelance journalist he wrote a series of report the exploitation of tribal in ‘Aajkaal’ patrika.  No other journalist in the history of journalism did so much for the downtrodden denying on his own personal life.  His parents (Mr. Manindra Kumar Sarkar and Srimati Laksmi Sarkar), and cousin sisters Miss Kabia Barai, Mrs. Dolan Mitra and renowned journalist Mr. G.V. Nair and brother ex-national football player,  Mr.  Bratin Sarkar encouraged him in this noble endeavour.

 Lakshmindra Kumar Sarkar did research work on folklore and life of tribal.  He is 47.  Already four books, i.e.

1.        Santali Bhasha, Lipi O Sahitya Charchar Eatibritta.

2.       Puruliyar Daini Birodhi Andolan.

3.       Swadeshi  Dakat Mohan.

4.       Jiban Nadir Tirey.

These books are authored by Mr. Sarkar from his vast experience has created sensation.  Work on another 18 books on tribal life he completed.  Mr. Sarkar’s other books which are in great demand such as:

1.        Loko Silpa o Silpi.

2.       Niraparad Bandini.

3.       Sisu Niryatan.

4.       Left Front government and Adibasi Samaj