Kurumbi was a tribal lady who lived in the Shambavi forest. It was during British rule that the Indians were considered slaves. Unlike the other tribals, Kurumbi never preferred the cities. Of course, the cities were convenient but were wrong, according to Kurumbi. The idea of harming nature for convenience was just not acceptable to Kurumbi.
Every day, she worshipped her three 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, she 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 with the basic necessities of life. This life was perfect for her, where she had the 3 gods to protect her and provide her with all her needs; trees and animals to make her feel safe in the hands of nature. This was how a life needed to be lived, she thought and believed.
One day, a British officer was brought to the village by a tribal boy. Kurumbi did not like it. The way the officer looked at them and how he emitted a superior vibe were uncomfortably uncomfortable for Kurumbi. But as their village ruled, they weren’t allowed to speak against the decisions made by the village chief.
The British officers were showered with forest treasures like pure honey and elephant tusks and treated like kings. 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, four 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 their 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 would also be offered the same at the plantations. The energy of the protest instantly died down. Shocked by how her village mates were ready to leave the forest for city life, Kurumbi loudly protested and refused to leave. Unfortunately, no one supported or reacted to her.
The next 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 it. Three 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, killed, and buried.
Today, the Shambhavi highway is one of 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 their loss as well while appreciating the achievement made.
