MYSURU, 26 JAN

The taste of honey and ghee is familiar to him, but the Padma Shri award remains an unfamiliar terrain for Somanna, an innocent yet resolute figure in the fight for the rights of tribal communities. Having spent four decades championing the cause of the tribal people in HD Kote taluk in Mysuru district, Somanna was conferred with the Padma Shri award on the eve of Republic Day.

Somanna candidly admitted that he does not comprehend the significance of the Padma Shri award, saying he has to experience it personally. "I have not grown to that level. We are tribals who bring greens from the forest, cook it, and eat it for a living," he said. 

For nearly 40 years, Somanna, hailing from Motte Haadi (colony) of HD Kote taluk, has been a staunch advocate for the rights of tribal communities. His efforts have centred around implementing a report containing 35 suggestions to the government, safeguarding the rights of tribal people within forests, preventing their displacement, and securing land for their habitation. He also highlighted the importance of establishing their rights through tribal songs while addressing issues like poverty and illiteracy among the oppressed.

Despite only having a fourth-grade education, Somanna, aged 66, embarked on his journey to fight for the rights of tribals in 1978. Faced with financial challenges for the fight, his wife supported him by giving her a gold chain. The burden of responsibility grew on Somanna's shoulders after the untimely demise of his father and mother. With nine children in the family, the struggle for survival led Somanna's father to enlist him as a serf at a young age. 

Despite facing adversity, Somanna dedicated himself to fighting for the basic facilities and rights of the tribespeople. —Salar News