NANDURBAR

The name “Nandurbar” is believed to have come from Nandanagri, an earlier name for the region, said to be derived from Maharaja Nandaraj, who once ruled the area. Nandurbar is situated within the Satpuda Pradesh, or “Region of Seven Hills,” and was historically part of a larger administrative unit with Dhule and Jalgaon until it became a separate district in July 1998. In ancient times, the region was also known as Rasika, and in the epic Ramayan, it is referred to as Krushik. Over centuries, the region has seen the rule of various dynasties, including the Bhils, Chalukyas, Vartakas, and Yadavas, all of whom have left their mark on its history and identity.

The Dhulia District Gazetteer from 1974 recounts the sacrifice of Shirishkumar Mehta, born on December 28, 1926, in Nandurbar. His father was a Gujarati businessman, and he was their only child. Both his parents and grandparents were deeply involved in the struggle for independence, sharing stories of the fight with Shirish from a young age. Inspired by leaders like Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, he aimed to contribute to India's freedom without fear of British oppression, often raising the national flag alongside his grandfather and participating actively in the movement.

In 1942, during the Quit India Movement, Shirishkumar took part in numerous processions and rallies, proudly carrying the tricolor and chanting slogans such as 'Vande Mataram' and 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'. His commitment was evident when he led a significant rally in Nandurbar on September 9, where he chanted in Gujarati, "Nahi Shamse, Nahi Shamse, Nishan Bhoomi Bharatbhuni."

As the rally reached the city center, a British police officer ordered a baton charge against the demonstrators. Despite the threat, Shirishkumar and his fellow protesters remained steadfast, continuing to chant their slogans. This defiance provoked the officer, who drew his weapon and fired four shots into Shirish's chest. He fell, sacrificing his life for the cause of Mother India. A small memorial stands in the square where he made the ultimate sacrifice.

Tejabai Chhagan Tamboli was a remarkable woman born in 1905 in Nandurbar district. She grew up in a rural environment and received her primary education at a local school.

Tejabai shared a strong bond with her husband, Chhagan Tamboli, and together they actively participated in community events, advocating for education and women's rights. Her commitment to social causes became particularly evident when she joined the Mahila Mandal in Nandurbar, an organization focused on empowering women and addressing local issues. Her involvement in the Mahila Mandal was significant; she helped organize events and mobilize women for various causes. Tejabai played a crucial role in the Quit India movement of 1942, participating in protests and encouraging other women to stand against British rule. Tejabai's bravery was not limited to public demonstrations; she also contributed to strategic planning behind the scenes. In a society that often marginalized women, she emerged as a leader, challenging societal norms.

In the rural areas of Nandurbar, where roads and bridges are scarce, a young woman named Nirmala Kagadya Vasave experienced her indigenous community's problems firsthand. When a loved one became ill, residents were forced to transport them on homemade stretchers made from bamboo and bedsheets. These "bamboo ambulances," or "bamboolances," became familiar sights as families navigated the difficult dirt trails and streams that separated them from the nearest primary health center.

Nirmala, a first-time Lok Sabha candidate, was committed to improving the lives of her people. She questioned the decades of neglect that had kept Nandurbar's indigenous community stuck in the past while the rest of the country moved forward. "If the Modi government can build tunnels in the Himalayas and bridges over sea routes," she asked, "how difficult is it to construct basic roadways and bridges to connect all the villages?"

Despite her political defeat, Nirmala returned to her roots, educating her fellow community members about their rights and advocating for much-needed reform.

In a small thatched hut in Maharashtra, a baby named Rajendra Barud often cried in a corner while his mother distilled mahua, a local drink. To help him sleep, his grandmother would give him a few drops of the mahua.

As he grew older, Rajendra faced a challenge one day as a schoolboy. A customer at the local shop asked him to fetch some chakhna (snacks). Rajendra, focused on studying for his exams, politely refused. The customer scoffed, saying, “You behave as if you would be a doctor or an engineer.” This comment hurt him, but also motivated him. He was determined to prove himself, not just to the customer but to his mother, who worked hard to support them.

Rajendra lived in Samode, a village in Sakri taluka, with a mother who had no land or education. His father had died before he was born, leaving his mother to distill mahua and sell bread to make a living. Despite their struggles, she was his strongest supporter. “My ‘maai’ took care of me and became my friend and guide,” he said.

That customer’s remark stayed with Rajendra, pushing him to commit to his education. He excelled in his 10th and 12th exams, which allowed him to get into a well-known medical college in Mumbai. While finishing his medical degree, he decided to prepare for the civil services as well. Without money for coaching classes, he studied on his own. His hard work paid off; he achieved an all-India rank of 709 in his first attempt and improved to 427 in his second.

Rajendra’s mother didn’t fully understand his achievements until local leaders came to congratulate him. It was then she realized how significant his success was. Reflecting on his journey, Rajendra acknowledged that competition often favors failure. Still, he encouraged students to dream big and challenge their circumstances. “I am grateful for where I was born and the schools I attended. I am proud to serve as a District Collector,” he said.

In the remote villages of Nandurbar, the Bhil community has a legend about a special loom that holds the secret to their survival. The story is about Meena, a talented young Bhil woman known for her beautiful weaving.

One day, while Meena was working at her loom, the region suffered a severe drought. The crops dried up, animals grew weak, and the Bhil people began to starve. Realizing she needed to help her community, Meena turned to her loom for guidance.

As she wove, Meena prayed to the local spirits for help in ending the drought. To her surprise, the loom began to glow with a golden light, and the threads she wove seemed to dance and come alive. With determination, Meena wove faster, her fingers moving quickly as she continued to pray. Slowly, the drought eased, and the land began to thrive again. The Bhil people celebrated, and Meena's loom became a measure of hope and strength for the community.

Since then, the Bhil community has shared the story of Meena and her magical loom with their children, teaching them the importance of perseverance and faith during tough times. Every time a Bhil weaver sits at their loom, they offer a silent prayer, believing that the magic of Meena's loom will continue to help their people for years to come.

One day, while wandering through the woods in search of fruits and berries, a man came across a pig being attacked by a vicious tiger. Without hesitation, he heroically drove the tiger away, saving the pig from certain death.

Grateful for his bravery, the pig led the man to a secluded cave and gifted him a magical ring. "Take this ring and tie it to the top of your house," said the pig, "and good fortune will follow you." The man happily accepted the gift and hurried home to inform his wife.

As claimed by the pig, the couple's fortunes increased overnight. Their once-empty house was now filled with sacks of pulses, spices, and fresh vegetables. The family, along with their beloved pets, a cat and a dog, lived comfortably and abundantly.

However, their newfound riches did not go unnoticed. A cunning farmer, motivated by greed, stole the magical ring from the roof, causing the family's prosperity to evaporate as quickly as it had appeared. The woman was distraught and could no longer provide for her pets, so she asked them to leave.

Determined to restore their family's prosperity, the cat and dog embarked on a mission to recover the ring. Their search led them to a wealthy home, where they suspected the thief lived. Using their wits, they retrieved the ring from the thief's roof, with the help of some clever rats.

As they returned home, the cat and dog faced another obstacle: a roaring flood that had surged due to heavy rains. Once again, they employed their unique skills, this time with the assistance of river frogs, to safely navigate through the stream while protecting the ring in the frog's mouth.

Finally, the cat and dog returned home. The cat climbed onto the roof and secured the ring back in place. The woman was overjoyed to see her pets and the ring, welcoming them back with open arms. The family's fortunes were restored, and they lived happily ever after, grateful for the loyalty and resourcefulness of their beloved pets.