The lives of
Tribals and Adivasis in India are always an intertwining of struggles and
celebrations. Over the years Tribal and Adivasi Sunday has been observed in
many parts of our country to sensitize the Indian churches to break down
barriers that separate indigenous people from other communities and to express
solidarity with the struggles of our Tribal and Adivasi brothers and sisters. The
member churches of the National Council of Churches in India and Theological
Colleges in India celebrated Tribal and Adivasi Sunday all across the country on Sunday, the
7th of August 2016 and also on following Sundays. The theme for the celebration was,
“Towards Just and inclusive Communities: Visions and Voices of Tribals and
Adivasis”.
Celebration in All Saints Cathedral, St. Thomas Church and AHM 1840 Church,
CNI, Nagpur:
Categorizing Tribals and Adivasis as inferior or backward, marginalising and discriminating on any ground is a sin before the creator God as God has created all human beings in God's own image, said Mr. Pradip Bansrior, Executive Secretary-Commission on Dalits, Tribals and Adivasis during the Tribal and Adivasi Sunday worship at St. Thomas CNI Church, Nagpur on 7th August 2016.
Ms. Ngalaton Ningsen, Intern-Commission on Dalits, Tribals and Adivasis shared briefly about the struggles of Tribals and Adivasis at AHM 1840 CNI Church, Nagpur.
Celebration in Mennonite
Church in India, Chhattisgarh
Mennonite Church in India celebrated Tribal and
Adivasi Sunday on August 07, 2016. Dn. Vikal Rao, Secretary of Mennonite Church
in India encouraged the congregation to voice out for Adivasi brothers and
sisters who have been deprived of their rights
especially of their land and forest rights for the sake of development. Two of the Adivasi Bishops from
MCI shared their life experiences, the present political scenario and challenged
how the Church can provide help and make a difference in their lives.
Celebration in Samavesam of Telugu Baptist Church,
Andhra Pradesh
The General Secretary, Rev. Dr. J.
M. Franklin of the Samavesam of Telugu Baptist Churches thanked and
acknowledged NCCI for encouraging the observance of Tribal and Adivasi Sunday as he
believed that through this service the churches realized the suffering of Tribals
and Adivasis at the hands of dominating communities. On 7th
August 2016 the STBC churches celebrated Tribal and Adivasi Sunday and prayed
for freedom, equality, and proper education facilities for Tribals and Adivasis.
Celebration
in Bishop’s College, Kolkata
The students and faculty of Bishop’s College Kolkata observed Tribal and Adivasi Sunday on 7th August. They followed the order of worship prepared by
Commission on Dalits, Tribals and Adivasis, NCCI. The sermon was brought by the Rev. Dr.
Sunil M Caleb, the Principal of Bishop’s College who preached from the text
Matthew 15: 21-28. A special song from the Bishop’s college choir “Redeemed” and also a
Santali song “Bharotdisomtabon” sung by the students using the Adivasi drum
‘Nagda’ powerfully conveyed a sense of the struggles of Tribals and Adivasis. .
Celebration in Leonard Theological College, Jabalpur
Leonard Theological College celebrated
Tribal and Adivasi Sunday on 7th August 2016. Rev. Lalchawimawia,
the celebrant of the Holy Communion exhorted the gathering based on the given
text (Exo. 3:7-10; Lk. 10:25-37; and Gal. 3:25-29). He
acknowledged Tribals/Adivasis as the original inhabitants and children of the
land. He exhorted the congregation to take up challenges by breaking present day barriers, demonstrating how Christ broke barriers by setting people free
from the bondage of death. He envisioned Tribals/Adivasis acting as agents of integrated community, thereby contributing to the realization of "Just and
Inclusive Communities”.
Celebration in Eastern Theological
College Jorhat, Assam
Eastern Theological College celebrated
“Tribal and Adivasi Sunday” on 7th August 2016. Bemoaning the condition of tribals and adivasis, the worshippers brought their intercessions before God for the liberation of the oppressed and the restoration of peace. They prayed earnestly for the the reign of the
sovereign God and committed their lives for the same. ETC shall always stand together firm and strong for justice and
peace so that the kingdom of God is established,
where the word of God abides.
Celebration in Santalia Council of
Churches, Jharkhand
The Methodist Church of Pakur
district in Santal Parganas, Jharkhand celebrated Tribal & Adivasi Sunday
on August 28, 2016 in the premises of Dholkatha Methodist Church, Maheshpur,
Pakur. The main speaker was Rev Stephen Murmu, Principal, Santal Theological
Seminary, Dumka(NELC). Prof. Stephen Marandih, local MLA was the Chief Guest
during the event. Members from Methodist Churches and NELC participated in this
grand event which was followed by a fellowship Lunch. Rev. Emmanuel Chitrakar,
Rev. Roshan Hansdak, Mr. Raja McGee Ex. Secy BRC and other dignitaries from MCI
participated.
Celebration in
North East India, Meghalaya
Church
of North India, Diocese of North East India, Shillong, Meghalaya celebrated
Tribal and Adivasi Sunday on 7th of August, 2016. Special prayer was offered for Tribals and
Adivasis in India. The special service was held at Sadhu Sunder Singh Memorial Church, Shillong, Various issues and problems of the communities were
highlighted and prayed for.
Celebration in Mar Thoma Church,
Jamalgula Horeb
The congregation of Marthoma Church, Jamalgula Horeb celebrated Tribal and Adivasi Sunday on 7th August 2016.
We are grateful for the enormous support we have received from churches, dioceses,
mission fields and institutions in celebrating this special day. We are yet to receive reports on the
celebration of Tribal and Adivasi Sunday from some more member churches and institutions.
We will share them in due course of time.
Pradip Bansrior
Executive Secretary
Commission on
Dalits, Tribals and Adivasis
National
Council of Churches in India
