PANAJI
On August 8, Chhottanagapur Adivasis gathered to celebrate and uphold their cultural heritage. The Jesuits of Goa province along with The Good shepherd congregation sisters in Goa made a way for the migrants to come together. Most of them came to the venue with their traditional dress to participate and portray their tribe's beauty.
Maria Bambina sisters in Cuncolim gave an opportunity for these less privileged tribes to come and showcase their life. All of them followed the protocol of Covid 19 and maintained a clean atmosphere around. Fr Joe Nazareth celebrated the Eucharist for the community and highlighted some of the important values of tribals and encouraged them to work towards human dignity and fight for their rights.
Tribal children performed traditional dances and won the hearts of many; mothers too performed their solo and group dances. Bro Thomas, Sr Maria, the principal of Higher Secondary Cuncolim gave away prizes and Blasuis, the senior leader of tribals in Cuncolim spoke of how this International Indigenous Day came into existence. He appealed to the tribal community to encourage their children to know their cultural heritage and preserve it.
Joe Nazareth stressed on 3 J’s (Jal, Jamin, Jungle) how they are closely related to tribals and that they help to preserve the environment. "Today we have forgotten our relationship with nature and are more attached to technology, etc," he said.
Sr Monica proposed a vote of thanks and expressed personal sentiments about how tribes have been faithful in their workplace and wished them to build up that unity and harmony in Goa. The Jesuits Of Goa province along with other local partners are trying to establish the network and safety of migrants in Goa.
