Inspired by Prez Murmu, PVTG girl becomes first grad in community
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Ramgarh: In 2019, a visit by then Jharkhand governor
Droupadi Murmu
to Birhor Tola in Basantpur panchayat of Ramgarh district inspired a Birhor girl from an endangered primitive tribe to pursue her dreams.
Rashmi Birhor (21), who has now become the first graduate from her community, has emerged as an inspiration for others.
The Particulary Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), traditionally known for nomadic living and hunting practices, has witnessed substantial lifestyle transformations in Birhor Tola, Basantpur panchayat, Mandu block of Ramgarh district during the past 40 years. The community now has its first graduate, with numerous others attending educational institutions across Ramgarh and Hazaribag districts.
The formerly nomadic Birhors have established permanent residences, enjoying modern amenities including concrete dwellings, electrical supply, solar-powered water systems and essential facilities. Community members now utilise motorcycles, operate tractors, run roadside shops, watch television, use mobile phones and access the internet, whilst young people pursue education.
For Rashmi, Murmu's visit to the state as a governor during which she advocated for educational access, healthcare provisions, housing solutions and livelihood opportunities for the primitive tribe groups, inspired her to pursue her dreams.
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Govt officials, alongside Tata Steel's West Bokaro Division, implemented various programmes supporting the Birhor community through healthcare, education, employment, housing, infrastructure and basic amenities provision.
Rashmi did her schooling from St. Roberts Girls school, Hazaribag. Her parents are both mason by profession and her younger brother studies in Class 2. She completed her Bachelor of Arts (BA) from Vinoba Bhave University (VBU) and is now an inspiration for her community.
She said that her ancestors lived in forest dwellings, surviving through hunting, without agricultural knowledge.
Rashmi also highlighted several challenges that continue to plague the community such as early marriages and child malnutrition.
"I would like to thank Droupadi Murmu, the President of India, for inspiring me to pursue my dream. When she visited Birhor Tola in 2019, she encouraged everyone to pursue their dream, and educate themselves," Rashmi added.
"We are proud of her. She is the first graduate from our community. This paves way for other children who will also follow her footsteps," said Sudhanshu Birhor, her father.
Ramgarh deputy commissioner Chandan Kumar confirmed various initiatives for PVTG Birhor communities, emphasising children's school enrolment.
District welfare officer Sidharth Shankar Choudhary reported that recent surveys show 842 Birhors residing across various locations, with 601 in Mandu block, 98 in Patratu block, 90 in Ramgarh block, and 30 in Gola block.
Anurag Dixit, general manager of Tata Steel's West Bokaro division, said, "Tata Steel Foundation has undertaken several initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for Birhor communities through focused efforts in Birhor Tola, where we are working to provide sustainable settlement, alternative livelihood opportunities, access to quality education, skill development and infrastructure among others.
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