Mesram Clan Continues Padayatra Despite Tiger Movement Alerts
Koserao noted that the number of participants was lower this year compared to last year, as students were discouraged from joining the padayatra to avoid disruption to their education. He said the decision was taken keeping in mind their future, adding that education alone could transform their lives.
Nirmal: Members of the Adivasi Mesram clan continued their padayatra through the core area of the Kawal Tiger Reserve, despite forest department advisories citing tiger movement and prevailing cold weather conditions. A contingent of 145 clan members descended the Kawal hillocks from the Kanchanpalli side of Jainoor in Komaram Bheem district and entered Islampur in Kadam mandal of Nirmal district on Monday.
On the seventh day of their journey, the group trekked through dense forest stretches in the reserve’s core area without fear of tigers, leopards or wild bears. Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Mesram Koserao (Katoda) said the group encountered animals like deer, nilgai, monkeys, langurs and wild boars, but did not notice any tiger movement.
He said the Adivasis believe tigers do not harm them, as they worship the animal as a deity known as Duvval in Gondi, and traditionally stand and pray if they come face to face with a tiger.
Koserao noted that the number of participants was lower this year compared to last year, as students were discouraged from joining the padayatra to avoid disruption to their education. He said the decision was taken keeping in mind their future, adding that education alone could transform their lives.
He also observed that several youths, influenced by mobile phones and modern lifestyles, chose not to participate this year, as the padayatra is physically demanding and a test of devotion and commitment to Adivasi culture.
The Mesram clan members have covered nearly 300 km, trekking through hills and valleys from the Nagoba Temple at Keslapur since December 30. They are scheduled to reach the Godavari at Hastinamadugu in Jannaram mandal of Mancherial district early on January 7, after which they will collect sacred water in kalashams and begin their return journey.