Bhubaneswar: From helping her mother collect firewood and mahua flowers in the forests of Malkangiri to appearing before Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan on Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), Jayanti Buruda has come a long way. The tribal woman from Odisha was among 10 contestants selected from across the country for the popular television quiz show and was the only contestant from the state.
Buruda, who is known as the ‘Jungle Rani’ of Malkangiri for her work among tribal communities, had long dreamed of appearing on KBC. She had made several attempts to get an opportunity on the show before finally making it to the KBC stage.
Although she could not clear the final hurdle to occupy the coveted ‘hot seat’, Buruda said being selected among the 10 contestants and getting the opportunity to represent Malkangiri at the national level was a memorable experience.
“Namaskar to everyone, and I wish everyone a happy World Adivasi Day. I am very happy to be among the 10 contestants selected from across the country. I am the only contestant from Odisha, and it is a very special moment for me,” Buruda said.
She said meeting Amitabh Bachchan and interacting with contestants from different parts of the country made the experience particularly memorable.
“I had always dreamed of sitting on the ‘hot seat’. Unfortunately, I could not make it there, but the overall experience was very good. Meeting contestants from other states and learning about their experiences was wonderful. I hope I get another opportunity in the future and can fulfil my dream,” she said.
For Buruda, the KBC appearance is the latest chapter in an unusual journey that began in a remote tribal village in Malkangiri district.
Born into a Koya tribal family, Buruda is the ninth among 11 siblings. She grew up in Serpalli village, where her childhood was closely connected with the forest. She would accompany her mother to collect firewood, graze cattle and gather mahua flowers.
Education initially held little attraction for her. She was eventually enrolled in the only school in the village, where two teachers played a crucial role in changing her attitude towards studies. The teachers, who handled all the subjects, encouraged her to take education seriously and helped her discover an interest in academics.
Their encouragement proved to be a turning point. Buruda went on to become the only girl among 10 students in her class to clear the Class 10 examination.
She subsequently entered journalism and began documenting the lives and problems of tribal communities in Malkangiri. Through journalism and social media, she has highlighted issues faced by people living in remote and underserved areas, particularly tribal women and communities.
Her work has earned her recognition over the years, and her life story has also been featured by Forbes India. She has received several honours for her contribution to tribal communities and social work.
Buruda said her roots continue to shape her work and ambitions.
“I am proud to represent Malkangiri and its tribal community. Being able to take our identity to a national platform is a matter of pride for me,” she said.
While she could not reach the ‘hot seat’ this time, Buruda remains hopeful of getting another chance.
For someone who began her life amid the forests of Malkangiri and went on to become a journalist and social worker, her appearance on KBC marks another significant milestone in a journey shaped by education, perseverance and a determination to give tribal communities a wider voice.
