Tribals should not get converted to other religions, says MLA K G Bopaiah

Even after many years of our nation attaining Independence, the tribal communities have not completely come to the mainstream of the society, which shows the failure of the administration as well, said Virajpet MLA K G Bopaiah.

He was speaking after inaugurating the ‘Namma Jana-Namma Samskrithi’ Girijanotsava organised by Rangayana Mysuru and Kodagu Vanavasi Kalyana Kendra at Nitturu-Karmadu recently.

The MLA called upon the people from tribal communities to get educated.

The tribals should not get converted to other religions. Instead, they should protect their indigenous culture, he said.

MLC Shantaram Siddi said, “Institutions should be established towards the study of tribal communities, to preserve the culture of these communities. The existence of forest-dwelling tribal communities will be lost if they lose their culture.”

The government should provide them with education. Other communities too should support the tribal communities, he added.

Forestry College, Ponnampet, principal Dr Jadegowda spoke on the occasion and felt the need to have exclusive universities for the study of tribal communities.

“The languages of tribal communities should be preserved. When the tribals take pride in their culture, there will be no scope for cast or religious conversion,” he said.

Artists Jenukurubara Mari Dasi, Panjari Eravara Chatha, traditional doctor Soligara Nagamma, activist Betta Kurubara Kala and Yarava culture activist Chinne were honoured on the occasion.

Rangayana, Mysuru, Director Addanda Cariappa presided over the programme.

Taluk Panchayat president Bollachanda Smitha Prakash, Nittur Gram Panchayat president Chekkere Surya Ayyappa, ZP member Banada Prathyu, Dakshina Bharata Vanavasi Hitarakshana Samiti leader Krishnamurthy, Vanavasi Kalyana Kendra president Yaravara Prakasha and others were present.

A procession of art troupes prior to the formal programme mesmerised the people.