Somanna: The Voice of Tribal Rights and Social Justice

India has been shaped by countless unsung heroes who dedicated their lives to serving the marginalized and voiceless. Among them stands Shri Somanna, a respected tribal leader and grassroots activist from Karnataka, whose relentless struggle for justice transformed the lives of thousands of indigenous families. Belonging to the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) Jenukuruba community of Mysore district, Somanna is widely known for championing the rights of tribal people, especially those displaced from forests and national parks. His remarkable life journey from bonded labourer to Padma Shri awardee is a powerful example of courage, determination, and selfless service.

Early Life of Hardship and Struggle

Shri Somanna was born on 1 June 1957 in Mysore district, Karnataka. His childhood was marked by hardship and poverty. He lost his father at the age of two due to illness, leaving the family in difficult circumstances. Because of financial challenges, he could study only up to the fourth standard. To support his mother, he had to leave school at a young age and start working as a bonded labourer in a neighbouring agricultural household.

For nearly 18 years, Somanna lived under bonded labour conditions, deprived of freedom and opportunities. His life changed in 1978 when the Bonded Labour Abolition Act was implemented in Karnataka, allowing him to break free from exploitation. This turning point ignited in him a lifelong commitment to social justice and equality.

Beginning of Activism

After gaining freedom, Somanna joined the Dalit movement in 1978, where he became aware of broader issues of social oppression and inequality. In 1981, he took a historic step by forming the Budakattu Krushikara Sangha (BKS) along with members of tribal communities. Through this organization, he began mobilizing indigenous people in H.D. Kote, Saraguru, and Mysore district.

At a time when tribal communities had little representation, Somanna emerged as a strong and fearless voice. He worked tirelessly to unite communities such as Jenukuruba, Bettakuruba, Yarava, and Soliga, helping them organize for dignity, land rights, and access to welfare benefits.

Leadership in Social Movements

Somanna was not limited to local activism. He actively participated in several major environmental and tribal rights movements in India. These included the Save Western Ghats Movement, Narmada Movement, campaigns against commercial projects inside Nagarahole National Park, and protests to protect avenue trees.

He also joined the Enter Forest Agitation, which sought recognition of forest rights for Adivasis. Furthermore, he strongly advocated for implementation of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA) and the Forest Rights Act, 2006 (FRA). These laws were critical in empowering tribal communities over their traditional lands and governance systems.

Legal Fight for Displaced Tribal Families

One of Somanna’s greatest contributions was his legal struggle for tribal families displaced due to wildlife conservation policies. Many forest-dwelling Adivasis had been uprooted after the enforcement of the Wildlife Protection Act, often without fair rehabilitation.

Somanna helped tribal communities approach the High Court of Karnataka through public interest litigation. Along with the organization Development through Education (DEED), he represented Budakattu Krushikara Sangha in court during 1999–2000. His persistence bore fruit when the High Court issued a favourable judgment in 2009 directing rehabilitation of 3,418 displaced families.

This legal victory remains one of the most important milestones in tribal rights advocacy in Karnataka.

Securing Forest Rights and Land

Somanna also played a major role in helping tribal families apply for individual and community forest rights under the Forest Rights Act. Due to his efforts, 19 tribal haadis (settlements) received community forest rights, while nearly 300 families secured individual rights over forest land.

In addition, during his leadership tenure, nearly 6,000 acres of agricultural land were mobilized with support from revenue officials for rehabilitation of around 1,500 displaced tribal families out of 4,995 affected families from Nagarahole National Park, Bandipur National Park, Kabini, and Tharaka Dam areas.

These efforts gave thousands of families a chance to rebuild their lives with dignity and economic security.

Service Beyond Land Rights

Somanna understood that justice meant more than land ownership. He worked hard to ensure basic civic amenities reached tribal communities living in remote areas. His initiatives helped provide:

• Housing facilities
• Connecting roads
• Drinking water supply
• Pre-primary and primary schools
• Old age pensions
• Ration cards and ration shops
• Voter ID cards and identity documents

He reached nearly 125 tribal settlements and assisted around 2,000 elderly persons and widows, ensuring they were not excluded from government welfare schemes.

A Trusted Leader of the People

Somanna served as President of Budakattu Krushikara Sangha in H.D. Kote for ten years from 1984 to 1994, and later as District President for four years. He was eventually elevated as President of the State Indigenous Peoples Forum – Rajya Mulnivasi Vedike.

His popularity among tribal communities came not from politics or power, but from trust earned through decades of service. People across settlements knew that Somanna would respond whenever their rights or welfare were threatened.

Recognition with Padma Shri

For his extraordinary grassroots work and lifelong commitment to tribal empowerment, Shri Somanna was honoured with the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian awards. This recognition celebrated not only one man’s achievements, but also the dignity and aspirations of tribal communities whose struggles he represented.

Legacy and Inspiration

Somanna’s life is an inspiring reminder that leadership does not always come from privilege or formal education. Sometimes, it emerges from lived hardship, empathy, and courage. From bonded labour to becoming a national award recipient, his journey reflects the power of resilience and community service.

His work continues to inspire activists, policymakers, and ordinary citizens who believe in justice for indigenous peoples. In a rapidly modernizing India, Somanna’s mission reminds us that development must include those who have historically been ignored.

Conclusion

Shri Somanna is more than an activist—he is a symbol of hope for tribal India. Through legal battles, grassroots organization, and tireless service, he transformed thousands of lives in Karnataka. His legacy stands as proof that determined individuals can bring lasting change to society. India needs more leaders like Somanna, whose lives are devoted not to personal gain, but to uplifting the forgotten and the vulnerable.