By Marsukola Kranthi Kiran | Utnoor | July 20, 2025
“Johar Sidam Shambhu!
Amar Rahe Sidam Shambhu!
Let’s Continue the aspirations of the Revolutionary!
These heartfelt slogans echoed across Mathadiguda village in Utnoor Mandal, Adilabad district, as hundreds from the Adivasi communities gathered to observe the seventh death anniversary of their beloved leader, Shri Sidam Shambhu — affectionately known as Shambhu Dada.
Members gather at Sidam Shambhu Dada’s house in Mathadiguda village after offering floral tributes to the revolutionary tribal leader.
The memorial saw participation from tribal leaders, community elders, youth, activists, and members of the Adivasi Hakkula Porata Samithi (Thudum Debba). People from Gond, Pardhan, Thoti, and Kolam communities and other communities came together to pay floral tributes at Shambhu Dada’s tomb, uniting in remembrance of his unwavering fight for tribal rights, forest justice, and self-rule.
Family members and local leaders pay their respects with a two-minute silence at the resting place of martyr Shambu Dada in Mathadiguda.
One elder at the gathering remembered Shambhu Dada not only as a first-generation tribal leader and strategic thinker, but also as a significant contributor to the Telangana statehood movement. “He didn’t just fight for tribal rights — his contribution to the Telangana movement was equally notable,” the elder said, emphasizing how Shambhu ensured that Adivasi voices were not sidelined in the broader political landscape.
Sidam Shambhu Dada addressing the gathering at Tudum Debba Maha Sabha
Born in 1970, Sidam Shambhu co-founded the Adivasi Hakkula Porata Samithi (ThudumDebba), a platform that became central to indigenous assertion in Telangana. His activism focused on enforcing constitutional and legal safeguards such as the Fifth Schedule, the Forest Rights Act, and the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA), all critical to safeguarding tribal autonomy and access to land and resources.
His influence extended beyond Telangana. Shambhu took part in national-level protests in Delhi, aligning with forest dwellers, farmers, and marginalized communities. He spoke powerfully by blending constitutional values with indigenous wisdom, highlighting long-ignored issues such as land encroachment, displacement, and administrative neglect.
Shambu Dada (File)
Throughout his life, Shambhu Dada stayed in touch with top political leaders like former Chief Ministers N.T. Rama Rao, Chandrababu Naidu, and Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy. He was widely respected across political lines for his calm and principled leadership. N.T. Rama Rao even stayed at his home for a few days to understand tribal issues firsthand a testament to his influence and credibility.
His family — Sidam Jangdev, Sidam Lachu Patel, Sidam Sone Rao, Sidam Sheshu, and Sidam Koushalya Bai — were present at the memorial, standing as living witnesses to his legacy. Many of them continue to carry his work forward through community service and advocacy.
Sidam Shambhu passed away on July 20, 2018, at the age of 48, leaving behind a profound and lasting legacy. His life continues to inspire movements rooted in cultural dignity, constitutional rights, and tribal self-governance.
“Shambhu Dada didn’t just lead movements — he led minds and hearts. His dream of a self-governed Adivasi society still guides us,” said one of the young tribal leaders
Khanapur MLA Vedma Bhojju Patel paid floral tributes and was the only leader to formally address the gathering. In his remarks, he expressed regret that a statue of Shambhu Dada has yet to be installed, and pledged his full support to the leader’s family. “It is our collective duty to honor Shambhu Dada’s legacy visibly and respectfully,” the MLA said. “I will do all I can to ensure formal recognition of his immense contributions.”
Khanapur MLA Vedma Bhojju Patel and others paying tributes.
The ceremony concluded with the community uniting once more in voice and spirit with a resonant chant: “Our land, our rights, our voice!”
Other leaders and activists — including Mesram Durgu Patel, Athram Bhaskar, Purka Bapurao, Marsukola Thirupathi, Marsukola Saraswathi, Charulata Rathod,Thodasam Radha Bai, Mesram Bhagyalaxmi, Godam Ganesh, and Pandra Jaivanth Rao — also paid silent tributes at the tomb, reflecting on Shambhu’s life and lasting impact.
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