While political tours are a common occurrence, cultural tours often take a backseat in our travel itineraries. However, one exceptional cultural journey reminiscent of a yatra was organised by the Vanavasi Kalyana Asram in association with the Central University for Tribal in Andhra Pradesh in the majestic Eastern Ghats of our nation.
These 11 days (January 25 to February 4) unique cultural yatra crisscrossed through the tribal stretches of Odisha-Andhra Pradesh’s picturesque landscapes and was warmly embraced by the tribal communities and locals.
On January 25, the tribal yatra described as the Jati Gourava Yatra began in Jeypore, the capital of the then-rulers of the Koraput district in modern-day Odisha. The Surya Mahal’s Maharaja Viram Dev Varma-1 statue was decorated with garlands. The main attendees were Vikram Dev’s grandson and Raja Mata Smt. Sarika Devi. After crisscrossing the entire Eastren Ghat tribal stretch, this grand Yatra came to an end on February 4 in the port city of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
This yatra’s main goal is to strengthen ties between plains people and tribal communities, allowing for a deep exchange of cultural understanding. The yatra aims to take human connections to a higher level by promoting interaction and mutual engagement, which allows people to share and appreciate each other’s rich cultural experiences.
These Eastern Ghats are rich with famous and historical tribal revolts resisting the iron fist of British Colonials on their rights and inherited forest wealth. One such revolt, the Rampa revolt, led by Alluri Seetarama Raju, is well known.
The specially designed chariot by the tribals for this yatra was unique and studded with images of the heroes of tribal communities, like Birsa Munda and Gantam Dora, who sacrificed their lives for the country’s freedom. The images of Lord Jagannadh on the chariot were enthusiastically received by Odisha tribals with traditional tribal rituals. The joy of the tribe was evident in their singing, dancing, and display of their own medicines, natural knowledge, and traditional forms of worship. It was a wonderful experience for not only tribals but also non-tribals of the area. No organisation has ever before launched such a programme for the interaction of tribals with outsiders and allowed tribals to proudly present their thousands of years of great history, culture and traditions.
The yatra aimed to promote self-respect and self-confidence among the tribal population. This was stressed at all the 22 tribal village meetings held on the way. During this journey, tribal medicine practitioners, tribal athletes, and ethnobotanists were all recognised and honoured. The new Sangam of Vanavasi-nagaravasi was achieved through this yatra.
Many important personalities, like Dr Kattimani, Vice Chancellor of Andhra Pradesh Tribal University, Vidya Bharati National President Doosi Rama Krishna, Ponnapalli Somayajulu, a margadarshak of Vanavasi Kalyan Ashram, Dr. Piratla Sivarama Krishna of Shakthi foundation, Shyam Prasad, National Convenor of Samajika Samarasata participated in the Yatra and valedictory functions. Ubbeti Nageswara Rao and Mohan were the yatra organising secretary and joint secretaries respectively. The books written on tribal heritage and health were brought out on this occasion.
Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram was established by Ramakant Keshav Deshpande (popularly known as Vanyogi Balasaheb Deshpande), on December 26, 1952 at Jashpur in Madhya Pradesh (presently in Chhatisgarh). Since then, it is working for the welfare of Janjatis through various service projects on Pan India basis. Mainly, this works in the area like building hostels, education, healthcare, sports, gram vikas, shraddha jagrana, preservation of culture, urban activity, folk and art forum and coordination with different scheduled tribe organisations.
