Documentary on Dayabai whose work among tribals was inspired by Christ

A documentary will now pay tribute to the work of Dayabai aka Mercy Mathew who spent most of her life empowering the tribals in central India.

Mathew from Pala, Kerala spent over 30 years working for the welfare of the Gounda tribe in Chindwara district in Madhya Pradesh through education and development projects.

The documentary is directed by Shiny Jacob Benjamin, a journalist and chief of programmes of Congress-backed Jaihind TV channel.

"I doubt if there is any personality like Dayabai in Kerala. The moment I heard of her determination, I decided that I will do a documentary on her," Shiny who has won several awards in the past, was quoted by the IANS.

69-year-old Mathew after the screening of the documentary told reporters that she was inspired by Christ in her mission to the poor.

Mathew initially joined the convent to become a nun and serve the people. Later she quit the convent as she was not satisfied with the "comfortable" life.

After embarking on a journey across north India, Mathew was determined to share the life of the tribals, with all its trials and tribulations. To be more effective in her work, she also acquired a master's degree in social work and also did a correspondence course in law.

Apart from working among the Gonds, Mathew worked at refugee camps in Bangladesh after the 1971 war, and also was associated with the Narmada Bachao Andolan and the Chengara agitation.

"For me, I always wanted to discover my own path to Jesus Christ. Since leaving home, I have been to Bengal, Mumbai, Andhra Pradesh and finally Chhindwara, some 30 years back. And now, I am almost one amongst the Gonds," she reportedly said during a press conference.