Rajshahi, June 30 (V7N) — Marking the 170th anniversary of the historic Santal Hul uprising, the indigenous Santal community and their supporters gathered in Kakonhat, Godagari Upazila, Rajshahi, on Monday to commemorate the day of resistance against oppression and injustice.

Under the slogan, “Where there is deprivation of rights, there is Hul,” the event was jointly organized by Rakhagola Coordination Committee, grassroots village organizations, and supported by CCBVIO and Bread for the World, Germany.

The day’s activities began with a colorful rally from the CCBVIO branch office that traversed Kakonbazar before concluding with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Shaheed Minar of Kakonhat Municipality. Following this, a street meeting and discussion session were held.

The discussion was chaired by Sudhir Saren, president of the Rakhagola Coordination Committee, with Arif Ether, coordinator of CCBVIO, as the keynote speaker. Other speakers included prominent leaders Sumita Hansda, Malin Mardi, Bappi Mardi, Mukul Saren, and Ranjit Roy.

Speakers emphasized that while the Santal Hul Day stands as a proud chapter in history, even after 170 years, the Santals continue to face deprivation. They have yet to receive rightful land ownership and formal recognition as a plain indigenous community by the state.

The speakers recalled that the Santal rebellion, which began on June 30, 1855, was the first organized and armed mass uprising in the Indian subcontinent. Under the leadership of Sidhu, Kanu, Chand, and Bhairab, thousands of Santals courageously resisted British colonial rulers and their local collaborators. Their sacrifice provided new inspiration for the broader freedom movement in the subcontinent.

The event also paid tribute to the heroic figures of the Santal nation, including Sidhu-Kanu, Chand-Bhairab, Phulmoni, and Jhalmoni, celebrating their bravery and legacy. The speakers urged that the true history of the Santal rebellion be incorporated into educational textbooks to educate future generations about this pivotal struggle.

The program was hosted by CCBVIO’s Training and Cultural Officer Soumik Dumri and Social Organizer Manik Ekka, with overall supervision by Senior Field Officer Nirabul Islam and support from CCBVIO’s social organizers.

This day was not only a remembrance but also a reaffirmation of protest and commitment to rights. For the Santal community, Hul Day is not just history—it is a continuing source of strength and inspiration in their ongoing struggle.

END/MRA/SMA/