Those who live in dense forests far away from the city, sometimes in huts made of grass, sometimes endure rains and sometimes storms, sometimes spend the night in fear in the dark, under the shadow of snakes and scorpions and sometimes seek treatment for diseases due to poverty, including clean water. The life of the hill Korvas, who struggle between yearning and wild animals, has always been lived amidst adverse circumstances. Pahari Korwa woman Mankunwari Bai, who has been living with such struggles and challenges, had never imagined that one day her hard-working hands and head, which used to pull ropes and carry countless burdens, would also receive a mike-microphone with which she would be able to meet the country’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi. By establishing a dialogue with her, she will be able to tell how the difficult journey of her life has become easier and the changes that have come in her lifestyle…. When Pahari Korwa Mankunwari Bai, a special backward tribe resident of village Salkhadand (Kutma Gram Panchayat) under Bagicha tehsil of Jashpur, got a chance to talk to the Prime Minister, she expressed her views without any hesitation. Along with telling about the benefits received from Pradhan Mantri Janman Yojana, he also made us realize through his expressions the pain which was once his reality. Earlier, as soon as Mankunwari’s name was mentioned to interact with the PM, there was thunderous applause with a smile on everyone’s face. As soon as Mankunwari chanted “Jai Johar”, the echo of smiles and applause increased even more.
Prime Minister, we are Pahari Korwa. Live in the mountains. They used to walk one or two kilometers to Dhodhi-Kuan and were forced to drink the dirty water from here. This often resulted in vomiting and diarrhea. Now clean water is available. The house was built and electricity was also installed. Janman Sangi from Jashpur district and Mankunwari Bai, a woman from the special backward hilly Korwa tribe, said this in a conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a program organized through video conferencing during the Prime Minister’s Tribal Justice Maha Abhiyan PM Janman Yojana.
While introducing herself, Mankunwari said that I am from village Salkhadand of Gram Panchayat Kutma of Jashpur district. There are five members in my family. The Prime Minister asked him which schemes did he benefit from. Mankunwari told that I got a house under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, electricity was also installed. Tap water is available, gas is available. The Prime Minister asked what kind of change these schemes brought about in your life. Mankunwari told that earlier they used to use stove. Had to go to the forest for wood. Then it took a long time to cook on the stove. Because of the time taken, children kept crying for food.
Now I make Dhuska and Bhajiya also.
Which dishes do you cook after the arrival of gas? The Prime Minister asked that now that gas has arrived, you must be cooking new things also. Have you learned some new things about food? The Prime Minister asked with a warm smile that you tell me, we will not come to eat. Mankunwari said that I will make Dhuska and I will make Bhajiya.
Along with making Dona Pattal, they are also selling it.
The Prime Minister asked what kind of work your self-help group does. What kind of training has he received? Mankunwari told that he has a group of 12 members. We have received training in Dona Pattal at Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Kendra. We make Dona Pattal and sell it.
You are Janman Sangi, how do you give information to the people? The Prime Minister asked, You are Janman Sangi, tell us how you give information about the schemes to the people. Mankunwari told that I go to people’s homes. I get Aadhaar card, ration card, Ayushman card etc made. I take them to the camp. The work which was not done in 75 years was completed in 25 days through PM Janman Yojana. I thank you. The Prime Minister said that in response to this thanks, I also thank you. The Prime Minister told the children that you should concentrate a lot on sports also. Along with studies, there should also be connection with sports. The awards given in sports these days. Among them, there are more children from tribal areas.
