A significant push from IRS officer Atul Pandey has finally brought the much-needed renovation to the spiritual center of one of Bengal’s smallest and most unique tribal groups, the Totos. Nestled in the Himalayan foothills along the India-Bhutan border, the Toto community of north Bengal, with a population of just 1,644, worships Mother Nature at their revered demsha. This sacred place also serves as a cultural gathering spot.
Pandey, who was posted in Siliguri as Joint Commissioner of Income Tax in 2021, visited Totopara and was struck by the deteriorated condition of the village and its cultural heritage. Learning more about the tribe, he recognized the challenges they faced in preserving their fast-disappearing traditions. Seeing the dilapidated demsha, Pandey felt compelled to act, initiating a plan to renovate the symbolic center.
“I reached out to friends, companies, and local businesses, seeking their support for this cause,” Pandey shared. “With the help of many generous contributors, we were able to give the demsha a proper facelift. Preserving indigenous culture is crucial, and this is a small step in that direction.” Thanks to his relentless outreach efforts, financial backing poured in, and a permanent concrete structure with an entry gate was constructed. “When Pandey approached me for a small donation, I readily agreed to his noble cause,” a businessman from Siliguri mentioned.
The original demsha structure, typically made of bamboo and adorned with kaash flowers on the roof, had become increasingly difficult to maintain as resources dwindled. “This means a lot to us. Mature bamboo is hard to find now, and kaash hasn’t been growing well along the Teesta’s banks. We are really indebted to Pandey,” said Ashok Toto, president of the Toto Kalyan Samiti, a group dedicated to supporting the community.
Totopara’s remote location compounds the challenges faced by the Totos. Reaching the village requires crossing seven rivers — Bangri, Titi, Purney Khola, Kalikhola, Dayamara, Jarip, and Howrikhola. Historically, the Totos owned 1,993 acres of land in the area, but during the Left Front era, 1,646 acres were appropriated, leaving only 410 families, of which just 195 hold legal documentation for their land.
Their language, Yaa Waa, is critically endangered, unrelated to neighboring languages like Nepali, Bengali, Hindi, or Bhutanese, and faces the risk of extinction. The Totos’ unique language, culture, and history are threatened by an education system that emphasizes Bengali over native languages, a concern raised by advocates like Padma Shri awardee and backward class welfare officer Dhaniram Toto. The newly renovated demsha, however, stands as a symbol of hope and resilience for the community, strengthened by Pandey’s efforts and the support of his allies.
