INDIA: Salesian alumnus releases documentary chronicling story of Sonali’s tea garden workers
Film shows how community fought back against closure
INDIA
(MissionNewswire) John Paul Oraon, a member of the Oraon Indigenous group, field researcher, and interviewer, has released a new documentary “Your sweat nurtures, the tea garden flourishes” featuring tea garden workers and their fight for dignity in Sonali, India. The film premiered for villagers at the Sonali Tea Garden’s Bara Line. Oraon is proud alumnus of Don Bosco Oodlabari and the Department of Social Work at Salesian College Siliguri.
“Sonali’s story is my story,” Oraon told the audience.“Through this film, we show the world what happens when livelihoods vanish in a tea garden, but also how our community fought back.”
The 95-minute documentary looks at the history of Sonali Tea Garden’s closure on Sept. 24, 1973 as a result of a conflict over festival bonuses. Within a year, workers established a cooperative, marking a new milestone with progressive labor practices. In 1977, they distributed a 20% bonus and ensured equal wages, even before the Equal Remuneration Act was enacted in 1976, a historic feat documented by Oraon.
As the field researcher, Oraon’s interviews figures like Mattu Oraon, former vice-chair of the cooperative. During the premiere, Mattu’s words, “We did it. Others can too.” moved many.
The film, produced in Sadri and Kurukh, with subtitles planned in Bengali, Hindi, Nepali, and English, aims for broad accessibility. Directed by Dooars-based filmmaker and social activist Rupam Deb and assisted by Shard Mahali, it champions the cooperative model as a lifeline for other closed tea gardens.
For Oraon, the project was deeply personal. Formed by Don Bosco’s ethos of service and strengthened by his social work education, he views the film as a tribute to his ancestors. “Sonali’s blood and sweat built this garden,” he added. “I’m honored to help tell its story.”
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Sources:
ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)
ANS – India – Sonali’s Garden of Joy: John Oraon’s Documentary Illuminates Forgotten Struggles
Salesian Missions – India
World Bank – India
