MOBILE CONNECTIVITY
IN THARUS OF WEST CHAMPARAN
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Communication has become a very important part of our life. It has completely changed the behaviour pattern of our society. But some of the regions of our country have remained neglected for years. There was no road communication, no rail communication, no telephone not even landline.
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| Yogendra Mahto ( Tharu Schedule Tribe) on Mobile in Bakhari Bazaar Village of Tharuhat on 10th June 2009 Image (C) Dr Ajay Kumar Ojha |
I have faced this difficulty in the early years of my field work while visiting Bakhari Bazaar village in Ramnagar Block of Tharuhat of West Champaran district of Bihar during late eighties of the last century. It was very difficult to reach this most backward area and most difficult during rainy season. Road was bumpy, no proper bridge on rivers and no proper transport facility available not even day time. One has to travel either on foot or bicycle or if available then Tonga (horse cart). I had stayed in the village Bakhari for months together in stages and even sometimes travelled on foot for miles. My association with the village dates back to 1987 and even continues today. When in Bakhari I was unable to get any information about my ailing mother Radhika Devi or well-beings of my family. There was no landline telephone even.
Even today also hardly do we find any landline but mobile communication has revolutionized & galvanized the Tharu society also. They are in touch with people/relatives all over the country. They are in touch with even doctors from metro cities and what not. Even today I visit this village whenever I go to Bettiah. But now I contact the family members of Shri Shankar Mahto on mobile in advance and plan my visit accordingly. Mobile Connectivity has become a great asset for me as well as Tharuhat.
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