A life long fighter George Tirkey is no more. He was an indomitable leader whose life was devoted to the struggle for justice, dignity, and rights of Adivasi communities. His journey was not only that of a political leader, but also of a people’s warrior, who combined courage with an extraordinary understanding of constitutional provisions to protect the most marginalized.
George Tirkey will always be remembered for his unwavering commitment to the implementation of progressive legislations for Adivasis, including the protective provisions of the Fifth Schedule, the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA), and the Forest Rights Act. He recognized that these were not mere legal texts, but instruments of empowerment hard-won rights meant to safeguard the identity, culture, and future of tribal people. Tirelessly, he worked to ensure these provisions were translated from paper into practice, often challenging powerful interests that sought to dilute or bypass them.
He stood firm against the Odisha Government’s Land Grabbing Prohibition Bill, boldly exposing how such legislations, though presented under the guise of “development” and “regulation,” in reality threatened the very survival of Adivasis whose lives are inseparably intertwined with land, water, and forest. For Tirkey, this struggle was not only about resisting displacement, but about defending the essence of Adivasi existence itself.
What made his leadership unique was his ability to draw upon the Constitution not as a distant or abstract document, but as a living safeguard for his people. He interpreted and wielded constitutional rights as both a shield against exploitation and a sword to carve pathways of justice. In his hands, the law became a tool of the marginalized, reclaiming its true spirit as envisioned by the makers of independent India. He also made repeated use of the Governor’s office under the Fifth Schedule, ensuring that this constitutional mechanism was activated in defense of Adivasi rights.
In his vision, the Adivasi Darbar was kept open for 24 hours symbolizing not just an institution, but a living reminder that the voice of the people must never be silenced, and that justice should always remain accessible. Through this, he wove together traditional self-governance with constitutional rights, showing the way for generations to come. He also had the courage and foresight to reach out to all 65 tribal communities in Odisha, uniting them across differences to stand together for justice and dignity.
Above all, George Tirkey’s greatest legacy lies in his ability to unite Adivasis across regions, languages, and struggles for a larger common cause. His life embodied the spirit of collective resistance and hope. His courage was never about confrontation alone; it was about care, responsibility, and the belief that the Adivasi way of life must not be erased but celebrated.
Today, as we bid farewell to George Tirkey, we also carry forward his dream of a just society, where no community is uprooted, and where the strength of the Constitution is matched by the strength of people’s unity. His absence leaves a void, but his vision will continue to inspire every struggle for dignity and self-determination.
Sandeep Pattnaik
Social Activist and Researcher
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