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| Guests Emphasise Education as the Key to Holistic Development of Ho Community |
Keonjhar Sadar, April 25: The 12th Annual Conference and Upurum Jhumur Cultural Programme of the Ho Society Upurum Jhumur Committee, organised with the support of the Birsa Munda Ho Society, Marshal Akala, was successfully held at Gumura Raj Padia under Mandua Gram Panchayat in Keonjhar Sadar Block of Keonjhar district.
The event witnessed massive participation from the Ho community and aimed at strengthening education, social unity, cultural preservation, and overall development of the community. The central theme of this year’s conference was “Anj Anj Palaoa (I Will Also Study)”, highlighting the urgent need to prioritise education within the Ho society.
The programme was conducted under the leadership of Committee President Mr. Satyajit Laguri, with the active involvement of intellectuals, social activists, and college-going students. The gathering focused on addressing key challenges faced by the Ho community, including social, economic, cultural, political, and educational development, while also stressing the importance of eliminating superstitions and adapting to modern times without compromising cultural identity.
Call for Unity and Education
Former MLA Mr. Dhanurjay Sidhu, who attended as the Chief Guest, emphasised the importance of unity and collective responsibility within the Ho society. He stated that progress is only possible when the community stands united and actively supports education as a tool for empowerment.
Senior Advisor of the Upurum Jhumur Committee and former officer of the Tribal Development Institution, Mr. Jiban Singh Munduya, highlighted that economic development remains a major challenge for the Ho community. He elaborated on practical approaches to improve livelihoods, employment opportunities, and financial stability.
Focus on Language, Employment, and Future Roadmap
Former Editor of the All India Ho Language Movement, Mr. Laxmidhar Singh, spoke in detail about the current educational status of the Ho community, its contribution to employment sectors, and the strategic roadmap required to secure a better future for the next generation.
President of the All India Ho Language Movement Committee, Mr. Ramrai Munduya, strongly advocated for the inclusion of the Ho language in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. He urged all Ho people to clearly mention “Ho” as their mother tongue and “Ho” as their caste in the upcoming national census to strengthen constitutional recognition.
Awareness on Cybercrime and Governance
Youth social activist Mr. Pintu Hembram addressed the audience on the growing threat of cybercrime, especially among the youth. He explained how young people can protect themselves from digital fraud and how online grievances and cyber complaints can be officially lodged with government authorities.
District Council Member from Zone No. 5 of Keonjhar Sadar Block, Mr. Rath Munda Sarkar, discussed various rural development initiatives and assured that coordinated efforts would help improve infrastructure and public services in remote areas.
Law, Order, and Constitutional Rights
Mr. Devendra Nath Pingua, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of the Barbil Sub-Division, expressed concern over the rising trend of criminal activities within certain pockets of the Ho community. He outlined preventive measures, community policing, and the importance of cooperation with law-enforcement agencies.
Former Member of Parliament Mr. Yashwant Narayan Singh Laguri spoke extensively on the current socio-economic condition of tribal communities and elaborated on the constitutional rights and safeguards available to Scheduled Tribes under Indian law.
Role of Teachers and Multilingual Education
General Secretary of the Multilingual Education Association, Odisha, Mr. Dhanurjay Kurli, provided detailed insights into the status of Ho language teachers in Keonjhar district and underlined their crucial role in the upcoming census and in strengthening mother-tongue-based education.
Mass Participation and Cultural Presence
The conference saw participation of more than 8,000 Ho community members from various districts of Odisha including Angul, Deogarh, Mayurbhanj, Cuttack, Balasore, Jajpur, Dhenkanal, and Keonjhar, along with attendees from the neighbouring state of Jharkhand.
Renowned artists from the Ho film and cultural fraternity, including Arbind Tiyu, Rani Bodra, Sinu Purti, Hiranya Buliyuli, Sajana Bari, and lyricist Hari Har Pingua, were present. The event was further graced by Mr. Badal Jerai, President of the All Odisha Artists Association, adding cultural vibrancy to the programme.
Organisational Support and Conclusion
The event was made successful with the support of Durga Chandra Pingua, Sanjay Kumar Munda, Sanjib Kudeda, Mangal Badra, Jayanti Munda, Munshi Munda, Milan Munda, Manoj Hembram, and others. The session was efficiently conducted by Chinmaya Sai and Padmalochan Sai.
The conference concluded with a vote of thanks by Committee President Mr. Satyajit Laguri, who expressed gratitude to all guests, organisers, volunteers, and the large gathering for making the event a grand success.
