Budhini Manjhiyain, a tribal woman from the Indian state of Jharkhand, faced unimaginable hardships and social ostracism after garlanding India’s first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Her story, though shrouded in obscurity for decades, has recently gained attention and sparked demands for a memorial in her honor. But beyond the tale of one woman’s struggle, Manjhiyain represents the countless victims of development and patriarchal traditions in India, bringing to light a larger social and political issue that needs to be addressed.
Born in Dhanbad, a town surrounded by India’s coal fields, Manjhiyain grew up in a tribe called the Santhals. In 1959, she was chosen to welcome Prime Minister Nehru at the inauguration of a dam in the region. Little did she know that this seemingly innocent act of garlanding Nehru would lead to her exile from the tribe she called home. In Santhal customs, exchanging garlands is considered equivalent to marriage, and by garlanding Nehru, Manjhiyain was seen as breaking the code of marrying an outsider.
This event marked the beginning of Manjhiyain’s exile and a life filled with unimaginable hardships. She faced social ostracism, death threats, and poverty. Her termination from the Damodar Valley Corporation, where she worked, only added to her struggles. Despite her sufferings, Manjhiyain remained unknown to most, with only a few newspaper articles mentioning her in passing. It was not until after her death that her story gained new attention.
Sarah Joseph, a writer from Kerala, became fascinated by Manjhiyain’s life and decided to bring her story to light. Although they had a language barrier, Joseph felt a deep connection with Manjhiyain and sought to understand her experiences. Through her efforts, Joseph aims to shed light on the plight of not just Manjhiyain but also the many Indian women who face the crushing weight of patriarchal traditions and social pressures.
Manjhiyain’s story also brings to light the dark side of development and nation-building. The dam’s inauguration, hailed as a milestone in modern India, became a moment of celebration for the nation while Manjhiyain’s life continued in obscurity and poverty. Her story is a reminder that progress and development often disregard the suffering of marginalized communities, especially tribal populations who are displaced for such projects.
In the face of adversity, Manjhiyain found love and support in Sudhir Dutta, whom she married. However, their life together was marked by poverty and failed attempts to regain her job. It was only in 1985, after two decades of struggle, that Manjhiyain finally got her job back at the Damodar Valley Corporation and worked there until retirement.
While building a statue in her honor cannot change the past, it can serve as a symbol of resilience and draw attention to the struggles faced by marginalized communities in India. Manjhiyain’s story is not just hers alone but a collective struggle shared by many. It is a call to action to address the oppressive patriarchal traditions and the disregard for the rights of tribal communities in the name of progress.
By remembering Budhini Manjhiyain, we acknowledge the need for social and political change to ensure that the stories of marginalized individuals are heard and their rights are respected. It is a reminder that progress should not come at the cost of human suffering and that every individual, regardless of their background, deserves dignity, respect, and equal opportunities. Only through this collective effort can we build a truly inclusive and just society.
