Jharkhand Ke Pramukh Ādivāsī Samudāy

Jharkhand Ke Pramukh Ādivāsī Samudāy (Ranchi: Social Institute for Growth and Networking (SIGN), 2014), by Benjamin Lakra, pp.vi + 54, Price Rs. 40.00.

This booklet, Jharkhand Ke Pramukh Ādivāsī Samudāy published in Hindi, translated as “Frontline Tribal Communities of Jharkhand” gives a brief but succinct overview of tribals of Jharkhand. Most of the present day youth are unfamiliar with one’s own culture, society and heritage. This unfamiliarity makes them to lose their self-esteem and confidence and thus remain at the bottom of the ladder of development (p. ii). “This is books is written for the tribal youth of Jharkhand, to make them aware of their own culture, heritage and tradition,” says the author in his acknowledgement to the book. 

The author, Benjamin Lakra, an Uraon tribal, born in Simdega is a well-known writer, orator, social activist, visionary and the former principal accountant-general of Bengal. He has written several books in Hindi and English. To say that the author has ‘captured the soul of Jharkhand tribes in this booklet’ will not be an exaggeration. Therefore, rightly he has dedicated this book to the ancestors of the tribals. 

Though the booklet does not contain lengthy and elaborate chapters, has logically arranged and well-knit divisions. To begin with, the author gives a short summary of the tribals of Jharkhand which is followed by the heritage of tribals. Then the major tribals of Jharkhand: Santal, Oraon (Uraon), Munda, Ho and Kharia are dealt giving their basic myths, origin and culture. The booklet ends by enumerating the tribal contribution in the field of sports and games. 

Some of the major things discussed in the booklet can be summarized as follows: unity in diversity among tribal communities, tribal community as an ideal community to live with, tribal contribution in the national freedom, tribal Freedom movements, tribal leaders, suppression and alienation of tribals from their homeland, deprivation of basic rights such as Equality, Liberty and Fraternity etc. Further the author analyzes the constitutional rights of the tribals and their deprivation in actuality. 

Surely this booklet is a must read by all the tribals, and Jharkhand tribals in particular. Lucid language, simple oratorical style and true facts make this a valuable one. For the beginner who would like to get an overview of tribal life and culture this is a very handy work. However, lot of things could have been added to what has been said. This booklet seems to me like a trailer before a blockbuster. However, the author has done his part and it is up to the reader to read and become aware of the situation of the tribals and work towards their emancipation. May this book fulfill its purpose. 

Fr. Raju Felix Crasta

The Liberator of Tribals: Short Biography of Servant of God Father Constant Lievens, S.J.

The Liberator of Tribals: Short Biography of Servant of God Father Constant Lievens, S.J. (Ranchi: Ranchi Jesuits, 2014), by Agapit Tirkey, pp. x + 78, Price Rs. 20.00.

This booklet gives a beautiful analysis of the missionary works of Father Constant Lievens S.J. (1866 – 1893) in Chotanagpur who has been aptly called by various names: “The Apostle of Chotanagpur, A Liberator of People, A Knight of Justice and the Missionary of our Times” (p. vi). Lievens, born a son of poor farmer in Belgium, came to India as a missionary, worked towards the emancipation of tribals of Chotanagpur, the present Jharkhand and adjacent parts of Chhattisgarh, Orissa and Bihar. This was his karmabhumi, the place of work. 

The booklet is divided into five parts. The first part deals with the life of Constant Lievens beginning from Belgium and gradually the author introduces us to his karmabhumi. The second part is the socio-political situation of the time. Third part, ‘Father Constant Lievens: the Missionary’ deals with various issues, problems, movements, hardships the missionary underwent and ends with the last moments of his life. Fourth part is the spread of the Kingdom of God after Lievens’ death and erection of subsequent missions like Barway-Chechari, Jashpur and Biru-Gangpur. In the final part the author beautifully summarizes the effect of Lievens’ work. 

Lievens’ pioneer work has yielded remarkable fruits such as protection from the landlords, erection of legal cells, CNT and Santal Paragana Acts, Chotanagpur Catholic Mission Co-operative Society, and above all recognition of tribals as human beings. Further, the author says, “After the coming of Father Lievens to Chotanagpur in 1885, during the last 129 years, from the Christian community of tribal origin in Chotanagpur alone there have been 31 bishops, 3 Archbishops, 1 Cardinal consecrated. Similarly, innumerable priests also have been ordained from the same community” (p. 71). 

The booklet comes out at an opportune time as the work towards Beatification of Lievens is coming to its closure. Lucid writing, lots of pictures, memorials and analysis create interest in the reader. It is also historically accurate and well-written about an inspirational leader and visionary. The writer, Fr. Agapit Tirkey S.J., a tribal from Jashpur is a well-known scholar in the tribal life and culture. The book has been published both in English and Hindi languages by the same author gives an ample scope for non-English readers. The Hindi title is, ādivāsiyon ke uddharak. Surely this book is an inspirational and at the same time useful for talks, seminars and reflections. Let Lievens’ life be a source of inspiration and Challenge our missionary zeal.

Fr. Raju Felix Crasta