The anguish of tribals and the problems confronting them have been articulated through a collection of poems penned by Ranchi-based writer Mahadev Toppo.

Titled Jungle Pahad Ke Paath, the compilation of 44 poems was released at a function in Audrey House, Ranchi, on January 14. It has been published by Delhi-based Anugya Books.

The poems deal with issues ranging from the present model of development concerning the tribals and pseudo-intellectualism related to tribal society, among other things, besides asking the community to remain close to nature.

"I read a lot of books and I have found that there was hardly anything written about the tribals and their problems," said Toppo, the 62-year-old retired bank officer, when asked what made him write poems on tribals' angst.

Some of Toppo's poems in the collection also motivate the tribals to work towards their self development and conserve nature.

In one poem, Toppo, who first started writing in Hindi magazine Dharmyug, describes the aspiration of a young tribal boy who tries to convince his grandfather to allow him to continue studies and become a graduate. In yet another poem, he describes the tragedy of the tribal community when an outsider who earned fame by writing books on them in English comes to teach them their tradition. In another poetry, Toppo described how tribals found their very own Jharkhand.

"The poems express the anguish of the tribals in a softer tone, which is apt for poetry," said Ashok Priyadarshi, former Ranchi University professor and a veteran writer, while commenting on Toppo at the book launch.

State sports director and an well-known writer Ranendra, who was also present at the book launch, praised Toppo for sensitively portraying tribal pain and anguish.