66-year-old tribal leader of Jenu Kuruba community Somanna from HD Kote in Mysuru.
Credit: Special arrangement
Amid the pain of losing his wife Rajamma on January 7, sixty six year old Somanna, was spell bound to hear about being chosen for Padma Shri award for social work under Unsung hero category. A former bonded labour, Somanna is 'Kaatera' (Darshan starrer movie) of real life as he has fought for his own land after the land reforms act was implemented by the then CM Devraj Urs in Karnataka which conferred land occupancy rights to tillers, and has been fighting for land rights of hundreds of tribals from over four decades.
Somanna from Jenu Kuruba Community is a native of Alathalhundi of H D Kote taluk and is currently residing in Moththa tribal hamlet of Naganahalli Gram Panchayat H D Kote taluk, of Mysuru district.
He has been working for tribal welfare and tribal rights and conservation of forest and environment from 1978.
Speaking to Deccan Herald, Somanna explained, "I am the 9th child to my parents, and all kids died due to various diseases. Me and my sister survived. I had to clean the cowyard of people to get one meal a day for my mother Basamma and father Kunnaiah. I have studied till class 4. I was bonded labour for 16 years in Alalthalhundi and was relieved when the then PM Indira Gandhi brought the Bonded labour abolition act 1976. After the land reforms act was implemented by the then CM Devraj Urs in Karnataka which conferred land occupancy rights to tillers, I fought to get 31 guntas of land for myself in 1980. Devanur Mahadeva, Lingadevaru Halimani and other leaders helped me. Now by forming Budakattu Krushikara Abhivrudhdhi Sangha and Soliga Abhivrudhdhi Sangha, I have assisted hundreds of tribals in getting their title deeds when they were evicted from Nagarahole forest," he said.
He has been instrumental in preventing the establishment of a star hotel resort in Eco sensitive zone of Nagarahole, by filing a PIL in Court. "I had to pledge my wife's ear top (vole) to fight in that case," he recalls. He has even fought to save large quantum of forest land acquired by a private company. He has rejected four acre land granted by the then DC of Mysuru, Baligar, which was given in recognition of his works and had requested him to share it among other tribals.
He has also participated in several movements across the Country and has joined hands with several organisations like ;Aadivaasigala Munnata Sangha of Kerala', for the welfare of tribals. He has even represented tribal community of India in a conference organised in Philipines in 1991.
Along with another author, Sagar, Sommanna has written four novels including 'Jene nee aakashada aramaneye' (which has become Kanheri movie in which he has acted too) and 'Aadivasigala makkala vidyaabhyaasa' which have become movies, 'Hasirodala Dani', 'Aadivasigala Antharaala'.
Somanna added, "My name was announced for Rajyotsava award in 2016, and was cancelled the next day, but recently in November 2023 CM Siddaramaiah honored me with Valmiki award," he said.
H D Kote Tahsildar L Sannarammappa said "it is a matter of pride for us and our taluk for Somanna has received this award," he said.
Somanna's two sons and two daughters were equally happy.