I agree with those who believe that the term Aadivaasi sounds divisive-at least from the perspective of those who still believe in the greater Assamese society. But it seems some leaders of the community have chosen the name as best bait for various reasons. In sixties there were attempts to find suitable name for this huge community which was showcased as an important segment of the composite Assamese society. Some names like Xeuj axomiya, Saahpotiya were proposed. But the mainstream Assamese went on calling them as “coolie manuh” and government christened them tea tribes and ex-tea tribes. So quite recently they have started using the title Aadivaasi as tea tribes sounded too specific and robs them of the pan-aadivaasi brotherhood feeling. Also it strengthens their demand for ST status as Aadivasis are considered ST in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, etc. The name also serves one more purpose-even if the community “dissociates” it self from the greater Assamese society, this Diaspora will think itself to be part of a much bigger Aadivaasi community of mainland India. The government should accept the demand for ST status. But it should be a conditional one-the community should call itself by a name which identifies itself more with Assam and Assamese than Jharkhandis. After all the Aadivaasi is a recent adaptation by some student leaders of the community. Government and various organizations of Assam should work towards finding a name for the community. And if it does not happen there will be an Assam Bandh every time Sibu Soren gets arrested in Jharkhand. Regards Chittaranjan _________________________________________________________________ Edit your photos like a pro with Photo Gallery. http://www.get.live.com/wl/all _______________________________________________ assam mailing list [email protected] http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org
