The surname before the soul

In a bustling Delhi street, Dr Shreyansh Tirkey, a tribal from Jharkhand, encountered a reporter struggling with luggage. Unprompted, Shreyansh offered assistance, demonstrating a genuine act of kindness. As the reporter learned more about him, Shreyansh revealed his Oraon tribal background, Kurukh language, and adherence to the Sarna faith, which reveres nature as divine.

He shared the rich history of his ancestral Jharkhand region, known for its valuable resources like coal, iron, and minerals. However, Shreyansh emphasized that this landscape holds much more than just resources – it is a repository of memories, mythology, and deep spiritual connections. His people practiced the Sarna faith, in which nature is considered sacred and is regularly worshipped through offerings and gratitude.

Shreyansh's surname, Tirkey, is believed to have come from a bird, while the Kachhao surname is associated with the turtle or tortoise. The Sarna tradition strongly emphasizes the interconnectedness of humans with nature, reflected in practices like the Karam Festival and Sarhul. These festivals celebrate the landscape, work, kinship, and the unity of the community.

Shreyansh also highlighted the communal nature of Adivasi food, which is sustainable, seasonal, and communal. He noted that Adivasi communities, like his own, often consist of multigenerational families contributing to various professions, demonstrating an ethic of interdependence that seems increasingly rare in today's society.