By Sanil Mayilkunnel, SJ

A Pilgrimage to Punyabhoomi

On a recent pilgrimage, 24 Jesuit Tertians and instructors from St Stanislaus College (SSC), Sitagarha, journeyed to Punyabhoomi (holy land), the sacred site of Fr A. T. Thomas’s martyrdom in Jharkhand’s Karanpura Valley. Nestled in an area layered with rich mineral deposits, the valley has been heavily mined for decades by corporations such as the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) and more recently Adani Corporation, coating the land in a dark blanket of coal dust. Fr Thomas, a Jesuit priest of Hazaribagh Province, originally from Kerala, was deeply affected by the injustices faced by India’s marginalized Dalit and tribal communities. As he witnessed the systematic exploitation of the Mahadalit communities in Bihar (now Jharkhand), his resolve to advocate for the oppressed only strengthened.

Fr Thomas and his Jesuit companions worked among the Mahadalit communities, empowering them to break free from generations of oppressive structures. They worked tirelessly to secure land rights, provide legal assistance, and offer educational opportunities to their children, enabling families to transcend the caste-based exploitation that had defined their existence. Fr Thomas’s relentless advocacy led to a momentous achievement when he helped 15 bonded-labour families break free and settle in Azadi Nagar, aptly named “Freedom Village”. This bold stance disrupted the power held by local landlords, prompting backlash and escalating threats. Despite being sent by his Provincial to study abroad for his safety, Fr Thomas’s commitment to his mission never wavered. Even during his studies in the Philippines, his heart remained with the people he served, and in 1997, he returned to Jharkhand to further his field research.

Fr Thomas’s dedication ultimately cost him his life. While conducting fieldwork, he intervened in a situation where men disguised as police officers assaulted Dalits. Recognizing him as the Jesuit who challenged their exploitative practices, they brutally beat and dragged him away. On 24 October 1997, his tortured, decapitated body was found in the forest, marking the tragic end of a life devoted to justice. His head has not been found even to this day. His death, intended to silence him, instead solidified his legacy as a martyr. Today, Punyabhoomi, his martyrdom site, draws thousands each year, honouring his sacrifice and drawing strength to continue the fight for justice.

Fr Thomas’s legacy lives on through the Hazaribagh Jesuit Province and other religious groups like the Franciscan Clarist Congregation (FCC). The Jesuits, through their social action centre called Prerana (Inspiration) have established 54 tuition centres across 54 villages in the three districts - Hazaribagh, Chhatra and Koderma, of Jharkhand for Dalit children. Run by young locals, these centres foster community pride and provide critical access to education, preparing students for state exams and future opportunities. In a society still bound by caste and systemic inequalities, these centres embody the transformative power of education, offering a pathway to self-empowerment and community upliftment.

As Fr Pankaj Paul Kujur, SJ, shared with us, each October 24, nearly 2,000 people gather at Punyabhoomi to honour Fr A. T. Thomas’s martyrdom, their voices rising in a poignant plea: “AT Baba, please come back... we need education, we need roads, we need our lands, we are in darkness...” His spirit endures in these gatherings and in the quiet resilience of those he inspired. Fr Thomas’s sacrifice is a powerful reminder of the courage required to confront injustice and the profound impact one life can have. In life and death, he gave a voice to the marginalized, leaving a legacy of faith and love in the ongoing pursuit of justice.