Forced dance by Padma Shri Kamala Pujari; tribal outfit seeks action against culprit

Coming down heavily on the social worker who made ailing Padma Shri awardee Kamala Pujari dance while undergoing treatment at SCB Medical College and Hospital a few days back, a 20-member team of Bhoomia Samaj on Saturday submitted a five-chartered memorandum seeking action against the social worker.

Addressing the memorandum to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Governor Ganeshi Lal, members of the outfit submitted it to sub-collector of Koraput seeking impartial investigation into the incident.

In the memorandum, the members claimed that Pujari was admitted to SCB for treatment of a kidney-related ailment. She was about to get discharged from hospital when social worker Mamata Behera forced her to dance in the ICU and circulated the video in social media. This incident has tarnished the image of Adivasi Samaj for which action should be taken against the concerned social activist.

The outfit president, Narendra Kandalia, also threatened to hit the streets if their demand is not met.

Kandalia said, “Some days back, Pujari was admitted to SCB Medical College and Hospital for treatment. In the meantime, a social worker entered into her cabin without permission and ate with her. She even made her dance Koraputia Dhemsa. That’s not all. She made Pujari’s dance video viral in social media.  This is condemnable.  We therefore request the state government to take legal action against the accused for damaging the image of Pujari who is the pride of Adivasi people.”

Also, renowned weaver of undivided Koraput Gobadhan Panika condemned the incident.

When contacted, sub-collector Bedabara Pradhani has assured to inquire into  the matter from every angle. 

It may be noted that Padma Sri Kamala Puja was admitted to Koraput District Headquarters Hospital in Jeypore 15 days ago. As her condition deteriorated, she was brought to SCB Medical College and Hospital. And she got discharged from hospital on Monday after undergoing treatment for five days. 

Following her return, Pujari made it clear that the social worker made her dance despite her unwillingness. 

In the video that emerged on social media, the social worker was seen holding Kamala Pujari’s hands by the shoulder and dancing with her, however, the latter after a few seconds can be seen opting out and choosing to sit on the hospital bed maybe due to over-exhaustion. 
On the other hand, social activist Mamta clarified saying “She had no ill intention behind it.”