Care for each other & for other living species

[Rituu B. Nanda]

Santhals are one of the largest Adivasi (Indigenous) communities in India. In West Bengal, they are recognised as a Scheduled Tribe and are spread across several districts, especially in the western and northern parts of the state.

In Jan 2026, as I walked through Kewdaha Santhal village in Shantiniketan with the Suchana team, I noticed broken earthen pots hung on outer walls of the houses. I wondered about them and asked Purnima.The Santhals care deeply about birds. Instead of throwing away broken earthen pots, they hang them outside their homes to create safe spaces for birds to lay their eggs and nurture their young ones.  At a time when much of humanity behaves as though it stands above nature, this is an example of care for other living non-human beings. 

A native American, Sherri Mitchell in Sacred Instructions: Indigenous Wisdom for Living Spirit-Based Change mentions the term Kciye. She describes Kciye as “Harmony with the natural world”. She says, "it is not enough to know that we are part of one living system. We must also take active steps to live in harmony with the rest of creation. This means that we cannot adopt attitudes or beliefs that place us above the natural world. We cannot see ourselves as having dominion over the land, the water, or the animals."

Focus on relationship and care- Many people in the community share the same surnames and relate to one another as brothers and sisters. This sense of kinship shapes daily life. They are hardworking and stand by one another. Even though most families have limited resources, there is a strong willingness to help. Weddings are a great example of solidarity. Those who are not formally invited still join the celebrations. They come to sing, dance and eat together.  In a Santhal home, hosts welcome the guests  with a lota (pot) of water to drink. No one asks whether the guest wants water, it is offered as the guest has come from outside.

Governance-   Manjhiharam is the village male elder council in Santhals which looks after the village. When someone faces a difficulty, this system provides support. Most matters are resolved within the community. If they cannot be settled locally, they are taken to the Panchayat or, if necessary, to the police station.

Food- People do not usually buy vegetables from outside. They grow their own vegetables and catch fish from the pond. This way of living is believed to keep their immunity strong.

Their traditional dress is green, reflecting their work in the fields and forests.

Children and culture Children are able to learn different languages easily. At the same time, elders and parents are often busy with work and cannot always give children enough time. Children therefore spend much time quietly at home. They learn traditional songs by listening to others rather than from books. Through these songs, they learn their history. Their memory becomes strong through listening and repetition. There is concern that boys and girls are now influenced by films and do not value oral history as much as before. Some feel that traditional culture is slowly weakening. In response, Suchana is supporting community- and youth-led efforts, and adolescents have started taking action to promote local culture.

During the Sohrai festival, guests’ feet are washed in a copper vessel as a mark of respect. Women and girls wear colourful clothes and carry copper pots on their heads while dancing. Men play percussion instruments.

Santhals warmly welcome everyone, yet often hesitate to speak because they are not accustomed to navigating the outside world.They often feel that outsiders are more educated than they are, which makes them hesitant to speak. SALT approach is helping them to share and recognize their own strengths.

Am grateful to Bhambini, Lebu, Purnima and Sukanta who were open to share some glimpses of Santhal tribe with me. Thanks to Andrealisa Belzer for recommending the book.

[junas bara]

awesome