Shri Ranjit Majhi

Recipient, Shambhavi Puraskar 2024

Sundargarh District, Odisha

You symbolize as the son of the Athakosia Reserve Forest of Sundargarh District. Your unrelenting efforts of advocacy brought to attention the implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006, empowering communities of 112 villages to claim rights over their forest land and resources.

The exceptional work began in 2000, when you played a vital role in the working of the Loka Sangathan, a grassroots organisation that mobilizes and educates the forest dwellers on their rights and responsibilities. With extreme grit you overcame the prevailing hindrances, contributed to the positive changes in policies and practices of the FRA, established the importance of sustainable land use and promoted the conservation and regeneration of the forest ecosystem. 16000 applicants having benefitted through FRA from Athakosia Loka Sangathan and 22919 applicants from 18 Tehsils have already received their Patta Land.

By ensuring livelihood opportunities and helping them gain their land rights with dignity, you have made a profound impact on their lives. Your dedication to the forest-dependent tribal community is truly remarkable.

The resilience and commitment shown by you as a catalyst has amplified the voices of these marginalized communities and imprints an indelible mark on the landscape of forest land rights advocacy. Your leadership serves as an inspiration for future generations to emulate in their own efforts for societal transformation.

As we reflect on your life journey, we value the countless hours of guidance through which you have touched the lives of thousands who will forever be grateful for your selfless dedication.

The Bansidhar & Ila Panda Foundation (BIPF) has the privilege of recognizing you as a social catalyst for your power of advocacy and transformation on forest land rights for the people of Sundargarh-Odisha; and confers upon you the Shambhavi Puraskar 2024 which carries a citation and a cash prize of Rs. 2,50,000/-

We wish you all the best in your future endeavours.