97th Death Anniversary of Fr J. B. Hoffmann Observed in Khunti Diocese, Jharkhand

Sarwada, Khunti — 20 November 2025: Adivasi leaders, legal experts, clergy, students, and local villagers gathered at Sarwada parish on Wednesday to commemorate the 97th death anniversary of Fr. J. B. Hoffmann, the Jesuit missionary widely regarded as the greatest social worker to have served the Chotanagpur region. The observance honoured his monumental legacy in defending tribal land and identity, while renewing a collective commitment to uphold the constitutional rights of Adivasi communities. 

The commemorative gathering began with floral tributes at Hoffmann’s bust, located in front of Sarwada Church—a structure he personally designed—followed by reflections on his pivotal role in shaping the Chotanagpur Tenancy (CNT) Act of 1908. Speakers highlighted how the Act, drafted under his guidance, continues to be the most significant legislative safeguard protecting tribal land from wrongful transfer and exploitation. 

In his address, Fr. Anupchand Minj, S.J., director of Hoffman Law Associates, offered a brief life sketch of Hoffmann, a German Jesuit born on 21 June 1857 who arrived in India in December 1877. He recalled Hoffmann’s years of service in Sarwada and Bandgaon, his authorship of the 16-volume Encyclopaedia Mundarica, and the hardship he faced when the British expelled him during World War I for being a German national. 

Speaking on Hoffmann’s deep understanding of Adivasi society, Fr. Minj underscored the inseparable bond between land and tribal identity, noting:

“For the Adivasi community, land is life. Landless Adivasis are lifeless Adivasi. Hoffmann understood this deeply. Hence, he suggested the authorities do something so that the land of Adivasis could be protected. CNT Act is a result of his farsightedness and his work continues to inspire and challenge us on how to protect land.” 

Advocate Dhanic Guria of Khunti Civil Court spoke on the significance of customary law within Adivasi culture. Using examples from traditional marriage practices, he illustrated how an Adivasi bride relinquishes rights to her maternal ancestral land and becomes part of her husband’s lineage. He expressed concern over emerging demands for equal rights when such marriages occur outside the tribal community, noting that these challenges require deeper understanding and dialogue. 

Students from three schools, members of Hoffman Law Associates, and villagers from nearby areas attended the commemoration. Participants expressed a renewed desire to study Hoffmann’s contributions more deeply and to actively engage in safeguarding the land, dignity, and constitutional protections of Adivasi communities. For many, remembering Hoffmann is more than an annual event—it is a reminder of the ongoing responsibility to defend tribal rights in Chotanagpur.

By Catholic Connect Reporter