Mysuru: Somanna, a bonded labourer-turned-tribal activist from Mothahaadi which is located 10 kilometres from HD Kote town of the district is selected for the Padma Shri award.
He belongs to the Jenu Kuruba community, which is considered as the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG). Somanna, 66, who was a bonded labourer in his childhood days, said eliminating poverty is his life’s motto.He said life was tough for tribal people when they were in the forest as there was no food or shelter to aid a decent living. Recalling his childhood days, he said it was the most difficult period of his life. Somanna tirelessly working for upliftment of Jenu Kuruba tribe for over 4 decades, reportedly assisted in acquiring title deeds to ensure the legal recognition and protection of more than 500 tribal communities residing in forest areas. A recipient of the Valmiki award of the state government, Somanna said hunger is the biggest challenge faced by the poor.
“I never expected this award. I thank the government for recognising my works,” he said. According to tribal leaders, Somanna was in the forefront of agitation for the rights of tribal people in HD Kote taluk.
He belongs to the Jenu Kuruba community, which is considered as the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG). Somanna, 66, who was a bonded labourer in his childhood days, said eliminating poverty is his life’s motto.He said life was tough for tribal people when they were in the forest as there was no food or shelter to aid a decent living. Recalling his childhood days, he said it was the most difficult period of his life. Somanna tirelessly working for upliftment of Jenu Kuruba tribe for over 4 decades, reportedly assisted in acquiring title deeds to ensure the legal recognition and protection of more than 500 tribal communities residing in forest areas. A recipient of the Valmiki award of the state government, Somanna said hunger is the biggest challenge faced by the poor.
“I never expected this award. I thank the government for recognising my works,” he said. According to tribal leaders, Somanna was in the forefront of agitation for the rights of tribal people in HD Kote taluk.