O C I, Tumudibandha had its Republic Day celebration at village Kandami under Mundigodo GP. There is nothing extraordinary about the occasion. The extraordinary thing about the celebration was the place, the citizens and the people who set the stage. The women have no idea, what kind of bird is this Republic Day! It is a remote village with about 35 ST and SC households. There is no school in the village. It is about 3 KM away from Dhungiaponkhal village which is at the main road to Bhavanipatna. The village is “Nadia ke par” (across the river). After crossing the river we reach there.

The O C I staff and volunteers had unanimously chosen this village to celebrate the Republic Day. The reason behind this choice is:

1. That the villagers are not much aware on the need of education.
2. That there is no school in the school.
3. To create an awareness to give written application to B D O for a school in the village.
4. To educate them on the importance of the Republic Day

The SHG members of Kandami village prepared the ground in an open field near the village and also cleaned the place under the trees to sit after flag hoisting. The volunteers decorated the ground a day before for the celebration. The map of India was drawn on the ground. When we asked the children about it, they it is a drawing of a bird. They have no idea of the map of India even though they are students.

We thank God and the electricity department. There was no power cut during the usual power cut time. We could play some Odia music to attract the people. The power supply is quite good in this village even though it is a remote area.

About 140 people participated to mark the occasion including 60 school children from near by schools. The Ex-Ward Member delivered a short speech on Republic Day. Fr. Gyan spoke about the Constitutions, showing them the book of the constitutions, explaining the provisions of Fundamental Rights in the constitutions. Mr. Ullash was the MC of the day and thanked every one at the end for their cooperation. 5 students sang songs to entertain the gathering. The celebration ended by having “Seo-Bundia” (sweets) and toffees for all.

When every thing was over, some men, women and children from 2 kms still inside from the place of celebration reached at 11.15 to see what kind of bird is this Republic Day but they just got some left over Seo-Bundia and walked back home amidst the woods again. This is the knowledge about the Republic Day in these remote villages.

Thanks to OCI for organizing the Republic Day celebration in such a remote village.

Jai Bharat. Bharat mata ki jai.