Day 16 Part III The Latest Week In Ranchi

After first few days of some big celebrations, always accompanied by song, dance, and drums, we were able to dig deeper in our understanding of the Adivasi culture. Adivasis prefer this term over tribal, or forest dwellers because they are aware of their long history and connection to their ethnic roots. Adivasis can identify themselves as of the Sarna religion(their original religion) or Hinduism or Christianity. Among the Christians there are various factions. The need to reconcile differences and unify as a people continues to be important for their survival and progress.

Learning that there is a stronge awareness of their history, which includes our anscestors has been a great honor. We've come to gain a profound respect for each other.

For instance Paracleta Minz here shows me her grandfather who told her about working side by side with my great great grandfather, Ferdinand Hahn.

Then going to Purulia and seeing the house still standing where Ferdinand and Doris lived, and their oldest daughter came to visit to give birth to Grete, Wolfram's mother at the beginning of the 20th century. There also we learned more about the work they did among the lepers and what developments occured after they left.