Background

Kalahandi is one of the tribal districts of Odisha. The inhabitants in the hilly zones in general are still in the primitive stage of civilization and economically backward. Mostly the tribes are Kandahar, Paraja, Kul, Dora whose livelihood depends on the Jungle. They are physically, economically, socially and educationally downtrodden people and still neglected by Govt. So called NGOs break crocodile tears to solve the very problems of the tribals. Very often they suffer from diseases and face early death even primary education to their children is a nightmare for them. Keeping their deplorable condition in view the Siksha Vikash Samiti, guided by Vidya Varati came forward with some proposals of humanitarian aid for the area and started Vanabasi Seva Prakalpa to look after all round development of the tribal population in general and to run a residential school. Sikhya Vikash Samiti felt that lack of education is the root cause of all problems in tribal society. The location of the school was decided at Thuamul because it has some significance besides its tribal density. The river Indrāvati starts flowing from Thuamul and the most trusted and popularly worshipped goddess of Kalahandi district Maa Manikeswari first appeared in the same place. There is the ADIPITHA of Maa Manikeswari. Thuamul is situated in the Thuamul Rampur block of Kalahandi district at a distance of 20 Kms from the block headquarter and 60 Kms from District headquarters, Bhawanipatna. This hilly place is 3400 ft. height from sea level. This is a tribal populated block inhabited by tribes mostly Kutia Kandha and Damba.

• More than 150 students are living in the school Hostel without having access to power and clean drinking water. This has a significant impact on the education and health of Students. In the evening they have to depend on the kerosene lanterns to study.
• Scarcity of Drinking water for students is a big concern. The only source of water is River Indrāvati and one hand pump which dries most often. Villagers surrounding the school also collect water from the school.