On the occasion of Balipratipada Divas in November, we held our second District level Conference of the year, the first being during Vimukta Din in August. Once again, with almost 250 youth, women and community leaders as well as Stakeholders, from 15 villages and tent communities, from across Bhiwandi to Badlapur, this time we came together with a more stated focus, diving deep into and reclaiming our indigenous histories.
Dr. Rajendra Kumbhar, renowned history scholar and analyst, brought to light many interesting facts that remain in the form of stories, little cultural practices and phrases among grassroots communities. Primarily about the NTDNT and Adivasi communities and our women-led, feminist, worker classes. Honoring the past, when productive and skillful communities led the economy, and to suppress whose prowess, discriminatory and anti working class policies were brought in long ago.
The day also featured interactions through quizzes, cultural performances and songs – all led by youth, helped the entire audience connect with the Sant Movement. Sant Tukoba, Sant Eknath, Sant Bahinabai, Sant Janabai, Sant Kabir and their village deities, leaders of long ago who are remembered and celebrated till today by these communities with love and respect.
