14/02/2026
Dahhar organized two workshops on the Prevention of Atrocities Act and Tribal Culture.
The workshop explored the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, in detail, including its provisions, its relevance in contemporary times, and its specific context in tea plantation regions. The sessions discussed the process of filing complaints, registration of cases, investigation procedures, and court hearings. It also examined the points at which the law is often misused or manipulated. We found that many students were not aware of the existence of this Act or the reasons for its enactment.
The discussion highlighted how tribal communities who have worked in tea plantations for generations continue to face systemic discrimination and abuse, particularly from socially and economically dominant non-tribal supervisors and management. These incidents reflect how power imbalances in plantation settings can lead to multiple forms of exploitation and injustice in public and workplace spaces.
The workshop also explored tribal identity, history, culture, and traditions, and its richness and ecological value. Along with empower to think critically and logical engagement with society social values and belief. Along with video documentary screening and discussion with respect to further research and development toward tribal society which are unexplore and undocumented.
The history of tea plantation establishment, migration, and colonial influence was also examined. The sessions included ice-breaking activities and group discussions to encourage active participation among students and attendees.
The workshops were facilitated by Mr. Tej Kumar Toppo, former Administrative Officer & DDO in the Income Tax Department and State General Secretary of Akhil Bharatiya Adivasi Vikas Parishad, West Bengal, and Mrs. Binita Tete, Founder of Dooars Tarai Adivasi Mahila Welfare Society.
The session concluded with a grand lunch attended by participants and guest speakers from the Dooars region. The workshop was highly successful and informative, especially for contemporary youth, as it addressed current realities and challenges faced by tribal communities. Again, Mr. Tez Kumar Toppo at last took participants to his home and explored his liberty and gifted a book called "Kurukh Benja," which is written by him, and ended by motivating everyone for higher studies.
