The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Timely decision breathes life into tribal woman

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Dec 24, 2007
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Timely decision breathes life into tribal woman

S. Harpal Singh

Posubai suffering from post-natal bleeding was forced to live in isolation according to Kolam tribe customs

JAINOOR (ADILABAD DT.): A timely decision many a time can be life saving and Atram Posubai’s case is a classic example. The Kolam tribal from Kondapatar village in Jainoor mandal was rescued from what could have been certain death because B. Vishwamber, the thsildar took upon himself to organise a dinner for the 32 families residing in the hamlet.

Posubai, a new mother, was forced to live in isolation in accordance with the customs followed by the Kolam tribe. The tahsildar, who found her suffering from post natal bleeding, wanted her to be shifted to the hospital.

However, he encountered opposition from husband Raju and the sick woman herself. The ‘fine’ for coming out of isolation before the completion of the mandatory one month period is hosting ‘dinner’ for the entire village which the poor family could not afford.

“The opposition was very strong because the tribals follow customs and traditions too meticulously. The customs seem to be bordering on superstitions sometimes”, said Mr. Vishwamber, recalling his visit to Kondapatar.

“I had to do something for the woman. I promised to arrange for the dinner for the entire village that made them relent. Posubai was shifted to Jainoor Primary Health Centre where she was treated”, he added.

The dinner was hosted by the tahsildar on Sunday. Mr. Vishwamber now wants to take up awareness campaigns among tribals to wean them away from such superstitious customs and traditions. “However, at the time of taking a decision about the ‘penal’ dinner, I thought awareness can wait until the life of Posubai was saved”, he observed.

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