Sanyay Kumar Mahato

Rest in peace

Sanjay Kumar Mahato (affectionately known as Tinku to his family and friends) was a man loved by many in his local region and internationally. He could never go into the local town of Purulia without being stopped by any number of people wanting help with their problems or just welcoming him as a dear friend.

The generosity of his heart was massive – he had the capacity to care for people in all circumstances, and would unfailingly give whatever support he could, whether it was finding them a job with Prabhat Alloi, taking children under his wing, providing some funds for a temple to be built in a village or even rescuing a child from a trafficking racket. The needs there are so many, and Tinku devoted his life to building a secure place for the people of his region. He really was a hero to many people.

His devotion to his tribal family went to an international scale through his work with PhD students who came to study the rich culture of his traditional background, the Kumari tribe. With other tribal friends he has been working to establish a Kumari (Mahato) language course at the local university. He has also kept the culture alive through music, dance and literature festivals, and actively managed the Chhou dance classes and tours for the boys of the hostel who were under his care.

His warm heart was expressed through his beautiful artwork and his loving smile that included all. He was certainly a feisty man, but that energy and drive allowed him to accomplish so much. What he gave to the children of his village and those nearby was extraordinary, and it will take many people to fill his role, if indeed they even can. His passing is really a severe loss that will always be a source of sorrow to those many who knew him and loved him.

Prabhat Alloi is now in the process of evolving through this unforeseen circumstance. It will take time. The people of Purulia are in the midst of Covid. They have worked selflessly to provide support for villagers through the provision and distribution of essential items, with Tinku as a front line worker. His family, and the Prabhat Alloi Foundation team, are continuing this work after his passing. Tragically, hundreds if not thousands would have wished to attend Tinku’s funeral to honour the passing of this great man, but with Covid restrictions, this was not possible.

Tinku’s family has stepped up, and they will ensure the survival and continuation of Prabhat Alloi. This must happen, not only for those who receive the support and the training, but at the very least in honour of Tinku, who gave his life for this cause and for his people.

Shivanii reports that her fondest memory of Tinku comes from around fifteen years ago, when she was typically riding on the back of his motorbike, along the rutted and ‘interesting’ clay roads. He told her of his passion for his people as head man of his village, and how he cared so much for them that he wanted to dedicate his life to working to lift them up and provide security for them. He said he would give anything – everything – to be able to improve the conditions of their lifestyle. That was really the inspiration that led to the development of Prabhat Alloi.

Tinku was a proud and fierce man, passionately devoted to his family, friends and people of all castes, religions, ages, gender, circumstances – he had no bars to his devotion, compassion and love, he was such a warm-hearted man. He leaves behind his daughter Shibra, his wife Rehka and his mother and sister. Our hearts go out to them, as it does to all the villagers who have benefited from his care and delighted in his companionship. Dearest Tinku, we will miss you sorely! With love, thanks and sorrow.