About WeSantal
Understanding our governance structure, mission, and commitment to preserving Santali culture and traditions
Organization Overview
WeSantal – Self Government Council is a non-political, non-profit voluntary organization working for the welfare, education, cultural preservation, and empowerment of Santali and Adivasi communities across Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and other states of India.
Our organization operates under the principles of self-governance recognized in the PESA Act, 1996, and maintains the traditional Manjhi–Paragana system as the foundation of community decision-making.
Governance Structure
Three-Tier System
Central Council
Overall policy, coordination, and decision-making
Regional Teams
Supervise activities across multiple villages/districts
Village Councils
Ground-level governance under traditional leaders
Traditional Leadership Roles
Manjhi Haram
Village Chief – Maintains peace, resolves disputes, represents village
Paranik
Deputy Chief – Assists Manjhi, enforces decisions, acts as messenger
Jog Manjhi
Youth Leader – Manages youth discipline and cultural events
Naeke
Village Priest – Performs rituals, maintains sacred sites
Godet
Messenger – Notifies villagers of meetings and events
Our Aims & Objectives
Preserve, promote, and revitalize Santali culture, language, and traditions
Establish and support Ol-Chiki centers for literacy and education
Promote traditional and modern skills development for youth and women
Connect and coordinate village traditional leaders under unified governance
Conduct research and documentation of Santali heritage
Work in harmony with PESA Act principles and customary law
Collaborate with government and NGOs for community upliftment
Establish independent boards for education, culture, and development