Yeomen service by senior citizens in tribal village
Dr.Badal Tah,Odishabarta
Rayagada, October 8: A service and awareness programme was organized by senior citizens in the tribal village of Jarapa, under Dunduli Panchayat of Kolnara Block in Rayagada district. Supervised by retired teacher Jayadev Sitha, the event was attended by poet and social worker Sadashiv Rajguru, President of Zilla Sambadika Sangha, poet, and social worker Dr. Badal Kumar Tah; poet, short-story writer, and social worker Dr. Rati Ranjan Dash; and poet, social worker, and spiritual thinker Lalit Mohan Jena.
Organized on the school premises with permission from the School Committee President and Headmaster Jada Prasad, the programme commenced with traditional rituals, including lighting the ceremonial lamp and offering prayers to Bharat Mata. Assistant Teacher Pratap Keshari Routray invited the visiting senior citizens and dignitaries to guide the villagers and students.
Jayadev Sitha highlighted the purpose of the event. Sadashiv Rajguru advised students to attend school regularly, study diligently, and grow into good human beings, while also urging parents to remain attentive to their children’s education. He called upon teachers to discharge their duties with sincerity to earn people’s respect. Dr. Rati Ranjan Dash emphasized fostering goodwill, strong relationships, mutual cooperation, and altruism among villagers, along with prioritizing environmental conservation. He urged the planting of medicinal trees such as bael, amla, tulsi, and neem in backyards and gardens, while maintaining cleanliness. He also taught students the etiquette of greeting elders and explained its benefits.
Dr. Badal Kumar Tah used stories and practical examples, like cutting grass, to explain the importance of hard work. He urged everyone to demonstrate through actions rather than mere words, and encouraged people to treat their mother tongue, Kui, as a foundation while also valuing Odia and other languages. They need to be multilingual. Lalit Mohan Jena advocated for leading a life grounded in culture and moral values. He called for ending child marriage and substance abuse, dispelling superstitions, protecting cattle, utilizing organic fertilizers in farming, preserving faith, culture, and traditions, and dedicating oneself to the service of the nation.
Concluding the session, Jayadev Sith led the villagers, youth, teachers, and students in taking a pledge to apply the senior citizens’ guidance in their daily lives and dedicate themselves to serving the country. Committee President Apara Rao Himirika summarized the core takeaways in Kui language for the local community.
On this occasion, blankets were distributed to elderly, underprivileged tribal people on behalf of the senior citizens. Books on Srimad Bhagavad Gita and Hanuman Chalisa were presented to the youth with advice for regular reading. Portraits of Bharat Mata and devotional leaflets featuring the Hare Krishna, Hare Rama chant were distributed, along with study materials and biscuits for the students. Encouraged by the initiative, the villagers requested that similar service camps be held in the future.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Assistant Teacher Snigdharani Mohanty, followed by the sharing of prasadam at the request of the Headmaster.
