Kurumbi was a tribal lady who lived in the forest of Shambavi forest. It was during the British rule, where the indians were considered slaves. Unlike the other tribals, Kurumbi never preferred the cities. Ofcourse the cities were convenient but was wrong according to Kurumbi. The idea of harming the nature for convenience, was just not acceptable for Kurumbi.
Everyday she worshipped her 3 Gods. Early in the morning she bowed and prayed to her ancestors to bless her with longevity. In the afternoon, along with her other tribal neighbors, offered lunch to the village God represented by a totem at the village square. She prayed for her village to be protected by the village Gods. In the evening, she and the other tribal ladies walked to the river Chembla, to thank the river God for providing them the basic neccasities of life. This life was perfect to her, where she had the 3 Gods to protect and provide her with all her needs; trees and animals to make her feel safe in the hands of the nature. This was how a a life needs to be lived, she thought and believed.
One day a British officer was brought to the village by a tribal boy. Kurubi did not like it. The way the officer looked at them and how he emitted a superior vibe was uncomforting to Kurumbi. But as their village rule, they weren’t allowed to speak against the decisions made by the village chief.
The British officers were showered with the forest tressures like pure honey and elephant tusks and treated like the king. Kurumbi watched as the entire village pleased the officers with gifts and performances. Though Kurumbi was not a part of it, she felt inferior and offended. After a fortnight, 4 officers marched to the village with a notice that was handed over to the village chief. As soon as they left, the village chief looked pale. There was an immediate meeting called at the village square. Kurumbi also joined the meeting.
The village chief announced that everyone had to leave there village as the forest was about to be taken over by the government. He also added that anyone who rebelled would be punished adequately. As the villagers were about to protest, the village chief added that every man in the village would be offered a job at a factory in the cities while the women will also be offered the same at the plantations. The energy of the protest instantly came down. Shocked by how her villagemates were ready to leave the forest for the city life, Kurumbi loudly protested and refused to leave. Unfortunately, no one supported or reacted to her.
The next day morning almost half of the village left and the day after only she was left in the village. She felt lonely but decided to fight against this. 3 days later the British officials came along with destruction tools and vehicles. Kurumbi stood against them with the little home tools and weapons she had. In no time she was stabbed and killed and burried.
Today, the Shambhabi highway is one among the busiest national highways in India and it passes right through Kurumbi’s village and the place where Kurumbi’s world flourished. Every development made today has someone’s tears mixed in it. So acknowledge thier loss as well while appreciating the achievement made.
Chanjals World 