While he was indeed a wonderful person, this is a much bigger loss. A loss for the nation. Sitaram was truly a protege of Surjeet and knew the importance of coalition politics in the times we are living in.

Wearing a salwar-kameez was like a clear signal to the world that this girl has grown up and is now available for harassment.

He had worked in coal mines as the lowest rung worker and in farms as an agricultural labourer. His sensitivity and kindness were reflected everywhere.

The community has a traditional approach to sex education and finding a partner. The key is openness, conversation and guidance.

Instead of teaching basic life-skills, the hyper-competitiveness of modern schooling is making adivasi children individualistic and detached from the community.