Rich tributes paid to Kumram Bheem on 84th martyrdom anniversary in Asifabad

Initially, family members of Kumram Bheem including his grandson Sonerao and his family members offered homage as per the community tradition

Kumram Bheem Asifabad: Adivasis paid rich tributes to tribal legend Kumram Bheem on his 84th martyrdom anniversary at the Jodeghat village in Kerameri mandal of Kumram Bheem Asifabad district on Thursday. Minister D Seethakka was the chief guest of the event.

Initially, family members of Kumram Bheem including his grandson Sonerao and his family members offered homage as per the community tradition. They performed customary rituals at three wooden flags that symbolize ‘Persapen’ and ‘Avvalpen’, gods of Gonds at the memorial.

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Elders of the village and leaders of Adivasis organisations also took part in the event.

Thousands of tribals from not only several parts of Telangana, but neighbouring Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Maharashtra and paid tributes to Kumram Bheem.

They arrived at Jodeghat valley in processions and playing traditional musical instruments from early morning. Some participants reached the venue on foot, while others travelled on special buses operated by the TGRTC for free of cost.

They recalled fights of Bheem carried out for rights over Jal, Jangal and Jameen eight decades ago, braving the then Nizam rulers. They hailed him for laying down his life for tribals. Tribal artistes performed traditional dance forms, enthralling audiences.

The sleepy Jodeghat village came alive with the presence of a large number of participants at the event.

Bheem was gunned down by the then Nizam’s police for waging a war against the Nizam seeking rights over forest, water and land at Jodeghat in 1940.

Later, Panchayat Raj minister D Seethakka paid homage to Kumram Bheem by garlanding his statue. She was accompanied by Adilabad MP Godam Nagesh, MLAs Kova Laxmi, Vedma Bojju and Harish Babu.

Collector Venkatesh Dothre, Superintendent of Police DV Srinvias Rao, ITDA-Utnoor project officer Khusbu Gupta and others were also present.