The first sight of
Keen ears and observant looks
You sat in a squat-like position
Conversing in an incomprehensible language
Experiencing mixed emotions
Back then, I trod away
But little did I know
I will fall head over heels
For the most gentle and peace-loving
Munda Community
Your idea of collectivism and belongingness
Moved a soul
Once shaped by mainstream ideas
Here, mutual aid is not a relic of past
It is sustained through Madait-
Saajha Kheti, Ropai and Khapra Charna
Coexistence is the core of your being
Ducks, pigs, goats & chickens throng your surroundings
The leftovers from the pattals
Are never a waste
And are fed to the creatures
Depending upon their fate
With every pre and post harvest
You keep Singbonga at rest
Extraction beyond basic needs
Is contrary to your
Earthbound philosophy
Yet if a section of the community
Is swayed by greed to hoard
It is kept in check
By collective deliberations
In traditional Gram and Tola Sabha
Often extending the prescribed time
In a democratic spirit
Contrary to being ‘productive and planned’
This is how democratically your local institutions perform
You balance your past and present
Following the middle path
By holding tight to your Khuntkatti
(The land is held in common by the
patrilineal descendants who cleared the land)
And simultaneously giving space to
Individual households to cultivate the land
The happening haats (local bazaar)
Invite everyone
A breeding ground for conversations
And innate generosity
Against capitalist vein
As a handful lot
Is added to the buyer’s gain
All these three years
You cradled me with warmth & acceptance
Nurtured my curiosity with patience
Being with you
Was such a wholesome experience
The random visits to this place won’t be the same
As it were till now
I’m taking a little you with me
Forever hereafter
About the author:- Iqra Khan, a development professional with a Master's from Azim Premji University, focuses on strengthening local governance, social security for the economically weak, women's empowerment, and livelihoods. Past roles include promoting entrepreneurship skills with PRADAN, Dhriiti, and I Village.