Salkhu Murmu

Work area : Dhenkanal district, Odisha

Salkhu is a vibrant Adivasi leader hailing from the Santhal community. His relentless passion for social justice and his deep connection with the Adivasi Kranti Sangthan have shaped his journey as a community organizer and advocate for the rights of indigenous communities. From a young age, Salkhu has been associated with the Adivasi Kranti Sangthan, a grassroots organization that challenged the oppressive systems impacting Adivasi communities. Salkhu’s understanding of the historical perspective and the reality of the world has been greatly enhanced by his training at the School for Social Change.

As the founder of Adivasi Mukti Sangathan, one of the prominent issues Salkhu addresses is corruption in the implementation of related social security schemes. He strives to ensure transparency and fairness in the procurement and marketing of Minor Forest Produce (MFP) by raising awareness among adivasi communities about their rights and fair market values for their produce.

One of the key issues taken up by him is the implementation of the Forest Rights Act. They strive to ensure that a majority of Adivasi families in the area where the Sangathan operates have received Individual Forest Rights (IFR) and Community Forest Rights (CFR). This not only guarantees protection for forests but also fosters sustainable management of natural resources by empowering gram sabhas.

Recognizing the importance of inclusive representation, Salkhu and his team actively engage with women and youth in their initiatives. They understand that women not only face challenges posed by the feudal system but also bear the brunt of free trade agreements, mining activities, and other forms of domination within the neoliberal capitalist system. By empowering women and youth, the Adivasi Mukti Sangthan strives to create a more equitable and just society.