In Pattukottai tribal hamlet, two cousins become first graduates

Two cousins from the Adhiyan community make history as the first graduates in their Pattukottai tribal hamlet, inspiring hope.

In Ottankadu, a small nomadic Hindu Adhiyan tribal hamlet near Pattukottai in Thanjavur district, word spread quickly when two young men returned home carrying their degrees — the first graduates in their entire community.

For the roughly 30 families and nearly 180 residents, the achievement of cousins M. Murali and K. Palpandi marks a rare moment of celebration in a settlement where higher education once seemed distant.

Both completed their Bachelor of Business Administration degrees from Jesu Arts and Science College in Alangudi, Pudukkottai, graduating about a week ago.

The Adhiyan community — locally known as “Boom Boom Mattukarar” — has long faced hardship as many members did not have community certificates, restricting access to education, welfare schemes and government jobs. Traditionally known for travelling with decorated cows and telling fortunes, many families today make small dolls believed to ward off bad luck — often hung in vehicles, shops and homes — sell plastic goods, or take up daily wage work due to financial constraints.

For Murali, obtaining a community certificate about one-and-a-half years ago was a turning point. “The moment I got my certificate, I decided I want to become an IAS officer,” he said. Now enrolled in a coaching academy in Chennai, he says he wants to ensure there will be no dropouts from his hamlet in the future.

During his college years, Murali was taking tuition classes, with assistance from Vanavil, an NGO working with his community..