Sabars at Loraidungri with mosquito nets from Tribal Cultural Society. Telegraph picture

Members of the primitive Sabar tribe, on the verge of extinction in Patamda block of East Singhbhum, have found a corporate friend in Tata Steel.

Tribal Cultural Society, the steel major’s corporate sustainability services (CSS) wing, has adopted four Sabar villages — Oppo, Loraidungri, Burudih and Gobarghusi with a total population of 576 — in January with the aim of generating livelihoods and bring modern healthcare facilities within their reach, without disturbing the intrinsic rhythm of their lives.

Tata Steel CSS chief Biren Bhuta said they did not want Sabars to become extinct like “many others in Andaman & Nicobar”. “It is vital for us in the mainstream to render a helping hand to the endangered tribes without ironing out their ethnic uniqueness,” he said. “Our focus is on health and livelihood, the two most important things for humans to survive.”

For starters, the society has launched a six-month bamboo-training programme for around 40 Sabars in Loraidungri. Participants, both men and women, learn the craft and get Rs 100 per day as stipend. Their handicraft products will later be marketed by the Tribal Cultural Society.

Officials have also identified malnourished children who would be given medical aid. They had, moreover, visited the villages on January 21 to distribute mosquito nets.

“These primitive tribes hardly have any connection with the mainstream. Though the state government has launched many development schemes for them, they seldom avail the benefits as they don’t even know their rights. It’s our duty to make their lives a little easier,” said the Society’s secretary Urmila Ekka.

In 2008, the organisation had adopted four other villages dominated by primitive Birhors and Sabars. While Chhotabanki and Pattipani were Birhor villages, Dongagaral and Dholchoka were Sabar ones.

Most are now engaged in mining and crusher units, because traditional Sabar professions of hunting and broom-making as well as the Birhors’ skill in making ropes are not feasible anymore.

In a bid to make them stay close to their roots, they were taught cattle rearing and agriculture. “Our representatives in rural Kolhan identify needy villages. We also host health check-up camps and bring pregnant women to the city for safe delivery,” added Ekka.

The society is trying to lure primitive tribal children to village schools. “Small steps for big changes,” smiled Ekka.