Udupi: Koragas (ST Tribals) gathered near Petri here on Thursday (Aug 18), to celebrate the Bhoomi (land/earth) festival in Mundkinajaddu in splendid natural colours for a traditional show. The event was organised by Karnataka and Kerala Koraga Welfare associations together with cultural programmes.
In 1993, the most backward tribe in DK, the Koragas, staged a struggle for land and social benefits, on the well-known Light-house hills in Coastal Mangalore city. Thousands of downtrodden men and women took part in a protest rally on Aug 18, 1993 for their rights to live honourably.
Koragas were re-allocated lands by the state, under a report prepared by Mohd. Peer commission then. In Brahmavara Taradevi, principal of Government PU College who inaugurated the ceremony of a “milestone” for Koragas, asked them to empower their lot by education. Koraga Somu was present. Shobha form Bantwal Kayarpalke (student) distributed sweets to all members. Leaders like P. Gokuldas, Susheel Nada, Sanjeev Kodical and Dr. Rohini B.M., spoke on the occasion. Achievers were suitably honoured at the event.