How Will Tribal Children Ever Forget This Education Warrior?

Imagine starting your day by cutting stones and picking iron from garbage—this was Tulsi Munda’s reality from a very young age. Her hands would blister, and her fingers would get injured, but like every tribal child, she had no other choice. For a week’s labor, Tulsi earned just two rupees.

While historians often highlight the monumental challenges of building an independent India post-partition, the efforts of leaders who nurtured our country into standing on its own feet are well documented. Yet, far from the political spotlight, there were unsung heroes who served their country and humanity with unwavering dedication and no expectations of recognition. Tulsi Munda is one such heroine, awarded the Padma Shri in 2001 and recently honored with the prestigious Jamnalal Bajaj Award for her extraordinary contributions to uplifting marginalized communities.

A Humble Beginning

Tulsi was born in July 1947 into a poor tribal family in Odisha. Her village, Kainshi, was one of the most backward areas in the country. Tragically, Tulsi lost her father at a young age. Her six older siblings worked as daily wage laborers to provide food for the family. Being the youngest, Tulsi stayed home, observing children her age either playing all day, grazing goats, or laboring in mines—activities she detested.

Hearing outsiders speak Hindi and English ignited a spark in young Tulsi. She longed to speak like them, but her village lacked schools, and the idea of educating girls was unheard of. At twelve, Tulsi moved to Serenda, 65 kilometers away, to live with her elder sister, who worked in an iron-ore mine. Tulsi began cutting stones and sifting iron from waste, earning two rupees a week. Despite this hardship, Tulsi knew education was her escape. She started teaching herself the alphabet whenever she could.

Meeting Inspirational Figures

Tulsi’s determination led her to meet Malti Choudhary, Roma Devi, and Nirmala Deshpande, who were champions of women’s education. She joined their rural campaigns, traveling across India and educating herself along the way. Tulsi saw the stark differences between the conditions of women in other regions and those in Kanshi-Serenda. Meeting Vinoba Bhave, the founder of the Bhoodan movement, further inspired her. She resolved to uplift the poor in her village.

A Mission of Education

In 1964, Tulsi returned to Serenda with a mission. She realized that educating girls could liberate families and society from the chains of poverty, unemployment, superstition, addiction, and fear. However, convincing the elders was challenging—they believed school was a waste of time, preferring children to work in fields and mines.

Undeterred, Tulsi sold puffed rice and vegetables to gather resources. Soon, she had 30 children attending her classes. During the day, she worked with the Bhoodan movement, and in the evening, she taught these children basic literacy and numeracy. As the number of students grew, she established Adivasi Vikas Samiti in 1966. Over the years, she helped set up 17 schools in the district, providing education up to the tenth standard.

A Legacy of Light

Tulsi Munda, who has brightened the lives of about 25,000 tribal children over the past 58 years, chose not to marry. Her life mantra remains, “I will go empty-handed, so why spend the time in between in selfishness?“

Tulsi’s story is a testament to the power of education and the indomitable spirit of an individual committed to changing lives. Her legacy ensures that tribal children will never forget this education warrior.

Konark Sun Temple, Odisha