A visionary for Adivasi rights and sustainable development: Dominic D’Souza

By Dr Palla Trinadha Rao 

Dominic D’Souza, a pioneering advocate for the Adivasis and other forest-dwelling communities of the Eastern Ghats, passed away on January 2, 2025. As a founding co-pioneer of LAYA, a Non-Governmental Organization based in Andhra Pradesh, Dominic leaves behind a legacy of transformative advocacy, social justice, and sustainable development. His life's work has profoundly impacted the lives of thousands of Adivasis, shaping their rights, livelihoods, and community resilience.

I had the privilege of working alongside Dominic for nearly four decades in the field of safeguarding tribal rights, witnessing firsthand his unwavering commitment and transformative vision for the Adivasi communities.

Born on October 7, 1948 to a life far removed from the tribal territories, Dominic, alongside his wife Nafisa, was initially rooted in academia as faculty at the prestigious Nirmala Niketan College of Social Work, Mumbai. It was their student, Mr. Inampudi Rambabu, who persuaded them to leave their urban comforts and venture into the remote and challenging terrain of the Eastern Ghats to work for the well-being of Adivasis. Despite being unfamiliar with the region, its language, and its specific tribal contexts, Dominic embraced this monumental shift with unwavering resolve and began his journey in 1985 in a humble thatched hut in Tungamadugula village, East Godavari District.

The Genesis of LAYA: A Journey of Resilience and Vision

From its modest beginnings, LAYA faced significant challenges. Initially operating as a project of SPADE, the organization lost its Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) status in 1988, jeopardizing its funding. However, Dominic's determination steered the team forward, registering LAYA as an independent Resource Centre in 1989 and restoring its FCRA in 1995. Under his leadership, the first phase of LAYA began, focusing on pressing issues such as Adivasi land rights, agroforestry, rain-fed agriculture, non-formal education, and herbal-based healthcare.

Dominic was a firm believer in demonstrative learning models, emphasizing intensive, long-term training for Adivasi youth. This approach fostered the growth of community-based organizations (CBOs) and grassroots committees, which became instrumental in driving change from within. His contributions extended beyond the region, with significant involvement as a member of the Executive Council of the Asian South Pacific Bureau of Adult Education (ASPBAE), advancing LAYA’s thematic engagement in lifelong learning.

Institution Building and Advocacy

Dominic was a visionary institution builder, advocating for decentralized operational structures and empowering Adivasi communities to take ownership of their futures. He spearheaded legal actions and advocacy efforts that championed Adivasi rights to forest lands and common property resources. His initiatives catalyzed a movement for social justice lawyering, ensuring the communities had the tools and knowledge to fight for their entitlements.

LAYA also became a hub for sustainable development under Dominic’s guidance. He played a pivotal role in promoting bio-diverse agriculture, herbal-based health care, and low-carbon pathways. Through the Indian Network on Ethics and Climate Change (INECC), co-founded in 1996, LAYA became a significant voice in national and international climate platforms, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Empowering Women and Building Resilience

Dominic’s commitment to empowerment extended to Adivasi women, facilitating initiatives like micro-credit programs, enterprise development, and crash literacy campaigns. These efforts enabled women to enter local governance and public institutions, fostering leadership and resilience. His relentless pursuit of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in tribal ecosystems underscored his holistic vision for equitable progress.

Cultural Preservation and Leadership Development

Dominic deeply valued the preservation of Adivasi culture and traditions, recognizing their importance in sustainable living. He created learning spaces that nurtured functional capacities among Adivasis, encouraging them to take leadership roles within their communities. His facilitative approach ensured that change was driven by the people themselves, empowering youth, farmers, women, and paralegals to establish their own CBOs. Today, these empowered youth occupy critical spaces in Adivasi activism, a testament to Dominic’s foresight and mentorship.

A Legacy of Knowledge and Advocacy

Dominic was a prolific advocate for knowledge-building, contributing to publications on policy, law, and ground realities concerning Adivasis. He provided critical insights into national policy drafts, including those on tribal welfare and education, shaping frameworks that align with tribal needs.

At its core, LAYA remains a testament to Dominic’s enduring belief that transformation must arise from within communities. His vision, rooted in justice, empowerment, and sustainability, continues to inspire and guide those who carry forward his legacy.

As we remember Dominic D’Souza, we celebrate a life dedicated to uplifting the marginalized and fostering a world where the voices of Adivasis resonate with strength and dignity. His contributions have left an indelible mark, ensuring that the spirit of LAYA lives on in the thriving communities of the Eastern Ghats.