Three books of Koya tribal writers released

Three books — Vijja, Ali-Bilim Kotai and Gaali Gaali Kukkoo — written by Koya tribal writers during the silver jubilee celebrations of Koitur Bata were released by Raj Gond Seva Samithi Telangana convener Sidam Arju, Samatha NGO director Rebbapragada Ravi and Koitur Bata founder G. Yadayya at Ramannapalem village in Chintoor Mandal in Polavaram district. 

The writers and tribal rights activists of Central India and South India gathered here on March 7 during the silver jubilee celebrations of Koitur Bata, an academic movement that offered free education for the tribal children, particularly for school drop-outs. 

Among the released books, Vijja is a compilation of poems written by various tribal writers. Ali-Bilim Kotai, a short story book written by Koya tribal writer Dummiri Bheemamma, an alumnus of Koitur Bata. Gaali Gaali Kukkoo, a compilation of poems, was written by Tellam Krishna, a school dropout turned writer. All these three books celebrate the cultural diversity, life of Koya tribe and the tribe’s challenges in the modern world.  

Pandu Kamtekar, author of book Aatmaghosha, which chronicled the life of the Polavaram project displaced families in the Godavari Valley, also spoke during the celebrations. The alumnus of Koitur Bata and their paintings were also displayed in Ramannapalem village on March 7.