Addressing the inaugural programme of national seminar on ‘Spirituality of primal religions’ with art camp organised by Mangalore Diocesan Chair in Christianity and Dharma Samanvaya at Kalaangann on Thursday, Dr Munda said that Adivasis and Dalits have been subjected to injustice oppression over the long period of time and the Adivasis and Dalits with the aim of getting away from the clutches of caste system have opted to go to Buddhism or various other religion. But abandoning one religion and going to another religion is not the solution to the problems existing.
He said that if one sees the system existing in any religion, Adivasis and Dalits are reluctantly identified at the bottom rank of their system. “Adivasis are not just the natives of this land but they are the treasure of culture by itself. They should live here and strive to bring in co-existence. They should learn to feel proud of who they are,” he said and added that Adivasis have had difficulty in identifying themselves amidst organised religion. The reluctant identification by the organised religions has made Adivasis weaker in terms of self confidence. “We have to grow with self confidence and to grow with self-confidence we need opportunities,” he said.
He said that on one hand as the world is being engulfed by globalisation, the adivasis are being forced to leave their lands and go elsewhere. On the other hand, the organised religions are claiming over the adivasis in their system.
“From Jharkhand to Wayanad in Kerala, there are as many as 10 crore Adivasis, of which as many as 7 crore identify themselves as Hindus while the remaining 3 crore are distributed between the Christians, Muslims, Buddhists and others. Since there are differences in rituals they practice, there is no unity amongst these Adivasis. Hence, there is a need for the Adivasis to be united under a single forum as worshippers of nature and identified as followers of Adidharma, the ancient culture of the land,” he said and added that if this happens, then Adi Dharma will be the second biggest entity in the country next only to Hinduism.
The programme was inaugurated by Litterateur Prof Amruth Someshwar by beating the ‘dolu’ (drum).
Dharma Samanvaya Convenor Dr John Fernandes, Kalaangann Gurikaar Eric Ozario, former deputy mayor Judit Mascarenhas, Koraga Leader Gokuldas and others were present.
Balraj and troupe, a Koraga troupe of artists performed their traditional dance and played their traditional music at various junctures of the programme.
DH News Service