- by P Vijay Raghavan -
Old Lady (Asur)
In modern age of hi-tech infrastructure and innovative technologies available at a touch of finger, it is unfortunate that on the other side of coin, there are still many primitive tribes existing in remote rural areas of certain States in India, Jharkhand being one of them. The tribe in mention is ‘Asur’, living in Gumla district of the State, about 150kms from Ranchi,the State’s capital city, which according to Hindu mythology is meant to be the antonym of God. The tribe claim to be the descendants of Asuras, the traditional mythological enemies of god/goddesses. They squarely blame Goddess Durga, for their present day pathetic condition. Their ‘king’ Mahisasur was slain by the goddess as his atrocities were becoming unbearable for the humans.
Statue Making of LORD Asur
The elders of the tribe vehemently condemn the act of goddess in slaying their ‘king’ and forbid the members of their tribe to join in the festivities of Durga Puja.
The photo feature reflects on these feelings. Ridden with utmost poverty, the tribe is seen struggling for a square meal everyday. The children hungrily look up to the free mid-day meals provided by the State government in schools. Most of the time, they are seen seeking alms. The elders are solely dependant on their maize farming or at times grain crops. Few of the lucky families have cattle to look up to. The youth however, manage to work as laborers in nearby industrial units, though not throughout the year.
Superstition and their stern belief have led to boycott of the holy festivities of ‘Durga Puja’. Instead they worship the idols of the Asur (Demon) king, vanquished by the goddess. Even the children take a fascination of watching the Asur’s clay idol than going to the temple of the goddess, built on a lavish scale in the area.
Asur Temple
Community Lunch. All PIX - Mahadev Sen.
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Dear Raghavan,
I would specially like to tell u that, it is not unfortunate that still in this era of globalisation and Industrialisation many primitive tribes Including Asur existing in remote rural areas of certain States in India. it is one of the important beautiful and fortunate for us, but really it is very unfortunate that despite of this globalisation, modernisation with age of hi-tech infrastructure and innovative technologies available at a touch of finger still many indigenous tribe like Asur are forced to live a pitty life which is full of depression, poverty, oppression, discrimination.
Your article reminds me the beautiful song of Bob \" few people think God will come from the sky, take away every thing and makes every body feel high\" i think you are also one among these people
My dear, Your belief of ‘Durga Puja’ is holy and worshiping of the idols of the Asur (Demon) king is something similar to evil.This is not more than bullshit. If i will start narrating your Durga Puja\’s kachha chitha of sacrifice (many times human sacrifice) than you\’ll tell who is evil and who is divine.
please come out from the faze world of religionism. Religion not about GOD or Demon but it is all about culture so accept the reality,
and plz don\’t take my sayings in wrong sense i dont mean to hurt you but i mean to make you realize the reality….
Raj
Dear Raghavanji,
It was nice and informative piece of writing. However, I personally feel that you had lot of opportunity to probe deep into the subject and make it debatable. The news report lack quotes, versions of stalwarts from the tribal community. This would have helped you to go deeper into the subject matter.
Still your attempt to kick-off the debate should be seen as a positive endeavour to highlight some of the not ‘so popular’ subject though we stay in the same society. I shall look forward for more such write-ups and information, as I personally know that you are a seasoned journalist and will be able to do justice to such topics.
Good wishes to you & Newswing
Regards
Sanjeev Shekhar
Dear Sanjiv,
thanks for appreciating the article. The whole idea of presenting this article was solely as a photo feature. Anyhow,your suggestions are invaluable and would do my best in future to be more specific. By the way, did you read the article on Mansa Devi puja of Tamar? your comments on that would be welcome
regards
Raghavan
Dear Mr. Raj,
I’m glad you read the article. It is sad that you did not see the perceptive. I was neither trying to glorify any god or degrade the Asur. It was a factual report based on the particular village’s prevailing sentiment. I am in no position to judge the sentiments followed. As a senior journalist, I believe in being impartial in my writing. I am most definitely not a religious fanatic flaunting the goodness of gods and goddesses.Such feelings are totally personal.It is sad but also a fact that the trbes similar to the one mentioned in my article are to be found in every State of our ‘developed’ Country. The fact also is that the Centre is doing its utmost to bring them to the mainfold of the society. There is provision for special reservations to such tribes in all government related work. The million Dollar question is ‘are these people willing to come out of their shells?’
I’m sure your mis-conception about the article is laid to rest.Please do read the article on Mansa Devi festival at Tamar. I’ll be looking forward to your comment on that.
Thanks and warm regards
P.Vijay Raghavan