From 'God-Forsaken' To God-Blessed... Part One

[Guest guest]

FROM ‘GOD-FORSAKEN’ TO GOD-BLESSED The story of how the Sai youth of Andhra Pradesh rescued a forgotten clan lost for centuries in the dense and dangerous woodlands of West Godavari District. They did not cook cereals and pulses to sustain themselves; instead they filled their bellies with roots and shoots, flowers and fruits, supplemented with the fauna they hunted with their indigenously developed tools and equipments: bows and arrows, spears and shafts. Their instruments for survival... Time has stood still in this hamlet They moved deep into the jungles, traversed mountain terrains, tamed animals and built shelters made of bamboos and branches. Completely in sync with nature, they became active when the sun rose and when it was dark, lay down on leaves and twigs. They knew no light other than the Sun, no music than of the birds and the breeze, no water than what flowed in the nearby stream and no clothes other than tattered rags. It is in such dry and dreary jungles that they lived ...only vegetation and streams surrounded them Nature untouched and in Her pure form ...a perrenial unchanging view They lived in their own world - a little patch of land cleared and smeared where they built their flimsy huts and hung on with their kids, pets and meager belongings. Their every breath was in harmony with Mother Nature. Their homes offered scant protection from the elements, insects and animals These children are as innocent as they can be - they know of no toys or books, only twigs and trees Did you think we are

describing primitive man who lived in caves and forests centuries ago? What if we tell you, this is actually the scene of a hamlet just 20 kilometres away from a 21st century town swamped with TVs, mobile phones and what not. Are you shocked? Well, that was the case with the Sai Youth of Andhra Pradesh too. When they first heard of this hamlet that existed on a hill, cloistered in the middle of forests, that no man would dare plan to visit, they could not believe it could be true. But, when they finally reached the place, surmounting a multitude of challenges, of course, they were only stunned and shaken by the life of these people and their plight. Their hamlet of Thanegudem, is located in the West Godavari District This is the story of Thanegudem, an obscure and ‘God-forsaken’ hamlet which few knew about, let alone wanted to help. But did God really forsake them? As you read along, you will know how His love reaches to even the remotest corners through mysterious ways and brings out transformations at all levels which are unimaginable. A Lost Tribe is Found It all began in April 2005 when the Sevadal volunteers of the West Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh conducted a mega medical camp in the Mothugudem

forest area. As they served this community and struck a chord in their hearts with their selfless love, the villagers revealed some startling facts. “Twenty kilometers from here,” they said, “there exists a hamlet which is like an island, cut off from the rest of humanity. The tribals there do not converse with any strangers and live with bows and arrows, just like the early man on earth.” This was interesting news for the Sai Youth. They wanted to know more. “This place, called Thanegudem, comes under the ‘Primitive Tribal Group’ categorization,” said the Tribal Project Officer present in the village. The youth now wanted to visit this area at any cost because they knew the need for support and sustenance of the tribals, living in subhuman conditions with animals in the jungle, would be far greater than anybody else’s. Bhagavan had always emphasized

on serving the needy and they were more eager than ever to undertake this journey, however Herculean it may be. The Sevadal team plan their service project... ...under the leadership of Sri Bhaskar Rao (right) The settlement, which was locked inside a deep forest, was virtually inaccessible by road and one had to walk through hills and boulders, wade through waters and rivulets, and trek through undulating terrains for a minimum of 20 kms to reach this obscure place on earth. There was no water on the way to quench the thirst or boards posted to say how far one was from the destination - even to say if one was on the right track! And the Youth knew that if they did not return well before sunset the same day, there was every chance of being trapped in the dense forest for the whole night. But emboldened by their faith in the Lord and raring to serve the most neglected, they embarked on this adventure. (The pictures featured below depict journeys to the hamlet

after the Youth laid a motorable road.) The Sai convoy begins on smooth roads... ...which quickly turns into

dirt tracks There are no bridges along the way Their strength is only Sai's

Grace and perseverance Recalling their percarious maiden trip, Sri Vasudeva Rao, a volunteer of the Organisation's service corps, the sevadal, says, “The route through the dense forest, strewn with leaves and branches, was most difficult. It was almost impossible to keep track of the way. And taking one wrong direction meant getting lost in the thick jungle.” The landscape is desolate and hot Risks along the way are umpteen Even the jeeps need assistance Finally they arrive in Thanegudem After four hours of trekking through the rough terrain, which tested their tenacity to the hilt, they finally reached their destination – ‘Thanegudem’. And what did they notice once they stepped in there? The inhabitants of the tiny hamlet of nine houses immediately hid behind the delicate doors of their huts! They looked confused about the ‘alien’ intrusion into their abode, an insular world, untouched by civilization or outside influence! This is home for these 'primitive' tribesmen Living Precariously with Mother Nature Only after the Sai Youth started talking to them lovingly and the tribal welfare officer, who accompanied the volunteers, explained clearly the purpose of their visit did the head of the tribe feel reassured enough to speak to them. As the conversation ensued, the Sai Youth discovered that they belonged to the ‘Kondareddy’ tribe and had been living in the forest for generations. It would

be grossly fallacious to call their huts ‘shelters’ as they protected them from neither Sun nor rain, and in the night, they could, with ease, see the celestial spectacle of the stars while still remaining ‘indoors’. A tribal elder Sweet children - how often had they seen a camera? A family at home - notice there is no proper

wall . One lady elder of the 'lost tribe' “We are 42 people living in 9 houses in this tribe,” revealed the head of the tribe. They collected forest produce like honey, tamarind, shikakai (or soap nut), and bamboo products to carry on with their life; and whenever there was an opportunity hunted too and sought their food. It was the Stone Age living next door to the Software Age! As the Youth began probing into their living conditions and problems, it was an agonizing experience. What struck them most was the menace of poisonous insects of the forests which have, at times, taken the life of many members of the tribe. The innocent folk knew of no healthcare. Mention to them about doctors, and

they look confused, having never heard the term before. “There is no medical facility here for any injuries, medical problems or even deliveries. They rely on a midwife who is an elderly experienced lady in their group; and there have been many infant deaths due to lack of proper medical help,” says the Tribal Project Officer (LOVING IN SAI) RAM.Ram ChuganiKobe, Japanrgcjp