‘Sr Soren distributed lanterns, slates to spread education'
Shibu had also opened a night school in Pokharia village in Tundi to educate tribals and the poor. "Guruji lived in the ashram for about three years. After that, he stopped coming. I used to prepare food for him at the ashram. He had simple dietary habits, usually eating roti and sabji," said Murmu, who still resides at the ashram with her family.
She recalled that Guruji distributed lanterns, chalk, and slate boards among villagers so that tribal children could study at night.
"He also taught villagers at night, as they worked in the fields during the day," said Murmu.
Another villager, Phoolmani Devi, 67, said, "Guruji distributed agricultural equipment such as spades and other tools and encouraged youths to take up farming."
Devi said Shibu had launched the 'Dhankatni' (paddy harvest) movement in the village. "Previously, moneylenders would seize farmers' harvests when they failed to repay loans. Shibu decided that farmers should harvest their paddy themselves without handing it over to moneylenders," she added. pti
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