A discussion meeting aimed at improving the living standards of the marginalised Santal community and preventing school dropouts among their children was organised by the Thakurgaon district unit of Bashundhara Shuvosangho.

The event was held on Sunday at an indigenous settlement in Thakurgaon Sadar Upazila.

Around 25 indigenous Santal women participated in the meeting. Speaking at the event, indigenous woman Deepali Tigga said that although people across the country have seen progress in their lives, their own socio-economic condition has remained largely unchanged.

“Even after all these years, our lives are the same as they were 20 years ago. We have not benefited much from the activities of different NGOs,” she said.

Another participant, Estela Toppo, highlighted how financial hardship forces many indigenous children to drop out of school after primary education and work as labourers. Only a few manage to reach secondary school or college, but even then, economic constraints prevent them from continuing.

“If the government or any organisation extends support, our children will be able to continue their studies,” she added.

At the meeting, former president of Bashundhara Shuvosangho Thakurgaon district unit Tapas Deb Nath and former general secretary Rashedul Alam Liton delivered detailed remarks on the need to improve the socio-economic conditions and education of Santal families.

They emphasised that uplifting the Santal and other indigenous communities requires long-term and coordinated efforts—covering education, healthcare, economy, culture, and social rights.

They stressed that special government initiatives are essential in this regard.

The event was presided over by Jespina Khalko, a member of the National Indigenous Council’s Thakurgaon district unit. Indigenous women including Deepali Tigga and Krishtina Lakra, along with local residents and Kaler Kantho District Correspondent Partho Sarathi Das, were present at the discussion.