Not much has changed for the tribal families of Thodumala in Amboori since the last general elections. Their long-term demand for a bridge has been neglected and they are forced to rely on a solitary country boat for travelling outside their locality.

Notwithstanding their hardships, the tribespeople arrived in large numbers to cast their votes on Tuesday with a belief that this Lok Sabha elections would spark a turn for the better in their fortunes.

Umpteen requests

Seventy-two-year-old Narayanan Kani, who made the trip across the Neyyar river to reach Kumbichil Kadavu to vote in a polling booth in nearby Mayam, has found peace with the thought that the inadequacy was a part of his life.

“We have lost hope. I have lost count of the representations we have made to governments and political parties for a bridge. We are grateful for the many welfare schemes by the governments. But our children will not be able to spread their wings and progress in their lives without the bridge,” says Narayanan Kani .

700-odd families

The 700-odd families of the 11 tribal settlements, including Thenmala, Puravimala, Komba, Kunnathumala, Kannammammoodu, Chakkappara, Karikkuzhy and Ayyavilakom have been on the slow path to progress.

The Government Tribal School at Puravimala, the only public institution on their side of the river, has classes only until the fourth standard. While many discontinue formal education after that, some join schools at Mayam and even at Njaraneeli, around 40 km away.

In hostels

A few also have enrolled in schools in the city and stay in hostels run by the Scheduled Tribes Development Department.

Sooraj Puravimala, a forest watcher, points out that it was unsafe to go outdoors during the late hours due to the presence of wild animals. The problem, coupled with the lack of a bridge, deterred many from seeking medical care in the primary health centre at Mayam on the other side of the river.

Active role

He, however, is confident that their demand would become a reality with the youth among the community playing an active role in the democratic process.

“Many of us have taken to active politics. We hope to bring the change we have aspired for long,” Sooraj said.