Till 2016, Kandalei, a small hamlet located 15 kilometers from the state capital, was a picture of neglect and isolation. The tribal families residing there lived without the basic amenities that are considered essential in today’s world. No electricity, no road connectivity, no school, and no access to clean drinking water. The hamlet was a stark reminder of the vast disparities that exist in our society.
However, this small hamlet nestled in the angkaraja.ac.id Bidhyagiri revenue village of Chhatabar panchayat, has a rich history that dates back to the 1960s. It was during this time that tribal communities from Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj districts migrated to this area in search of a better life and have been living there.
But the irony is that despite being so close to the capital city, this place remained far from the attention of those in power. It was a cry for help, a plea for recognition, and a demand for basic human rights.
In 2015 Sushant Sahu, a Bhubaneswar-based activist, stumbled upon Kandalei. He was taken aback by the sheer lack of development in the area. The experience left an indelible mark on him, and he knew he had to do something to make a difference.
In August 2015 Sahu, along with a group of like-minded individuals, embarked on a mission to transform Kandalei. They started by conducting a thorough needs assessment, identifying the most pressing requirements of the community. The list was long, but they were determined to make a positive impact.
First on his agenda was to educate children and residents of the hamelt. He focused on building a school, providing the children with a safe and conducive learning environment. And he made it possible. The school has since become a beacon of hope for the community. Secondly, Sushant wanted to bring electricity to the hamlet. He and his friends worked tirelessly to install solar panels, providing the residents with a reliable source of power.
Today, Kandalei is a testament to the power of collective action and determination. The hamlet has undergone a remarkable transformation, with electricity and a school. The residents, once isolated and neglected, now have access to basic amenities that have improved their quality of life.
Sahu’s efforts have not only brought about tangible changes but have also instilled a sense of hope and empowerment among the residents. His work serves as a shining example of how individual initiative and community engagement can drive meaningful change.
This Independence Day, Ommcom News honours Sushant Sahu, a true messiah who empowered the tribal residents of Kandalei with the taste of freedom, transforming their lives forever. His selfless efforts have brought hope and prosperity to the once-neglected hamlet. Sahu’s dedication is a shining example of true patriotism and service to humanity.
Sushant reminisced about the past of Kandalei, saying that the only road to reach Kandalei was through a crematorium. We followed Pabitra bhai, who was the first who told me about the plight of Kandalei people, on our motorcycle, but the road was so bad that our motorcycle got stuck. The road was filled with thorns and leaves. We had to clear the road to move forward. As we walked, the sunlight was blocked by the dense forest, and it was like walking in the dark. The villagers were frightened when they saw us. Seeing us, the children ran inside their homes, and the young men pretended not to see us. The women were chatting among themselves in their local language. Some of them were peeking at us from behind their doors.”
He continued: “Pabitra bhai called the head of the hamlet. He told us about the history of the hamlet and the various difficulties they faced. He told us that many officers and leaders had come and gone, but nothing had changed. His words still echoed in mind: “We don’t have a school to educate our children, good roads, and electricity. Who is listening to our problems?”
After seeing the deplorable condition of the villagers and the various problems they faced, Sushant initially thought that no developmental work could be done there because it was far from the reach.
But then Sushant decided to give it a try after few months. He went back to the village, gathered everyone, and discussed building a school with the village head, Bishnuprasad Deng. They decided to build a school with the help of a Delhi-based social organization called ‘Ashra. The school was named Kandalei Project Primary School and was inaugurated by the then local sarpanch and District Project Coordinator on December 11, 2016. This marked the beginning of development in the village. Similarly, the hamlet got electricity connectivity just before 2019 General Elections.
“Children of Kandalei were unaware of cleanliness. They would walk three to four kilometers on a dangerous jungle road to reach school. Everyone from old to young would drink unhygienic water. When they saw outsiders, the small children would run back home in fear. While going to school, children would lay traps in the jungle to catch birds. Most importantly, residents were not aware of National days like Independence Day and Republic Day. They did not even know who Mahatma Gandhi was. Since there was no electricity, the village was dark and deserted. They were even unaware of festivals”, Sushant maintained.
Now, the situation has changed. Parents are enrolling their children in school at the beginning of the academic year. The village school has textbooks, toys, and necessary equipment. Students come to school with neat hair, nails, and a well-groomed appearance. On national days, students hoist the national flag and listen to stories about great personalities. When they fall ill, they go to the hospital instead of depending on traditional practices.
Moreover, each family has been provided with a solar lantern by the Rural Electrification Corporation (REC). Solar-powered machines and pumps provide drinking water to the villagers. People are practising agriculture and celebrating festivals
All these became possible due to the strong determination of Sushant and some other noble souls to make the hamlet a part of developing India. Other individuals who joined hands with Sushant and worked tirelessly to better the lifestyle of Kandalei residents include former Sarpanch Bishnu Prasad Deng, social worker Gopimohan Pattanaik, Priyabrata Panda, artist Panchanan Samal, sculptor Subal Maharana, and the headmaster of Kandalei Project Primary School Pabitra Mohan Nayak, along with other social organizations.
By Rashmi Rekha Das
