The ‘Rakhandars’ are walking from village to village — to protect Konkan

The Rakhandar Yatra is a movement led by young people from Konkan who are walking from village to village to protect the region's land, water, and way of life as development projects continue. The initiative, inspired by the guardian deity Vetoba, began in June at the Mauli temple in Kankumbi village on the Goa-Karnataka border, amid opposition to a proposed river diversion. The group aims to discuss local environmental and social concerns with residents, farmers, and fishing communities.

Malhar Indulkar, a biologist and core member of the team, explained that the yatra's cultural roots are in Konkan's village traditions, with deities such as Vetoba symbolizing protection. In Sindhudurg, the yatra addressed concerns over mining and unplanned development, while in Ratnagiri, they tackled issues like a proposed nuclear power plant and chemical refinery.

The Rakhandars also incorporate Konkan's ancient rock art into their visual identity, with their logo inspired by the petroglyphs found in the region's laterite plateaus. Their goal extends beyond opposing large projects, as content creator Prasad Gawde emphasizes the importance of preserving Konkan's lifestyle, agriculture, society, and culture.