Megha Uraon

It can only be considered an irony that today as India claims to be a world power, there are still some areas where some communities are trapped in sorcery and other superstitions. Lack of education in such places is the fundamental reason because of which even today people are being victimised by these superstitions. But as goes the saying that in the gushy silence of dark paths, even a lamp gives the same dazzling light as the sun. Megha Oraon Ji is a similar personality, who has committed his entire life in removing the darkness from the lives of tribal society.

Kartik Oraon, Bhagwan Birsa Munda, Sintri Dai, Champu Dai, Keli Dai, like great personalities who dedicated their lives to public service and brave fighters like Sidhu Kanhu are his inspirations. Megha Oraon Ji devoted his entire being towards removing the evils and superstitions spread in the tribal community and uplifting of the tribal society.

What is the importance of attachment to your culture and religion? Why does a person become a part of a culture from the initial phase of his life? This can only be understood by a person who knows its importance. Jharkhand Adivasi Sarna Vikas Samiti and Adivasi Dharma Sanskriti Raksha Manch Samiti are committees run by the members themselves, through which efforts are being made over the years to continuously protect the sanatan and the tribal dharma. Established in 2000, this committee is working towards a particular purpose, which aims to maintain the tribal and the local culture. However, the task wasn’t that effortless. The committee, which has been under the leadership of Medha Oraon Ji for nearly 21 years, went through many ups and downs. Many hardships were faced, many battles fought, and only then the wars for society’s upliftment were taken forward through the committee. Megha Urao Ji’s struggles can be valued on the grounds that he and his committee fought many battles for cultural protection not only in Jharkhand but also in other states.

At present, Jharkhand Samiti Adivasi Sarna Vikas Samiti and Janjati Dharma Sanskriti Raksha Manch are continuously working to create awareness amongst the downtrodden people of the society. The main objective of the committee is to facilitate awareness among people standing at the periphery of society. Undertaking work related to their development, protecting religion, culture, blood donation programs, organising marriage programs for poor youth, to spread awareness against social evils like witchcraft and other superstitions to awaken a sense of nationalism within all. Further, the main achievement of the committee is related to efforts made towards Ghar Wapsi of tribals to Sanatan Dharma after being converted.

Therefore, to encourage these efforts of saving the Sanatan Dharma and the culture of other backward sections of the society, Sant Eshwer Foundation has honoured Megha Oraon Ji with Sant Eshwer Award for the year 2021.