– A Tribute to Cajetan Francis Kamberkar ,
first graduate and organiser from the honouring his legacy and lifelong impact.Cajetan Francis kambrekar-(1948–2018),
Discover the inspiring story of the AKSSADA Siddi community through Cajetan Francis Kamberkar
First Graduate | First Government Servant | First Siddi Organiser | An Unseen but Unshakable Legacy
Every movement begins with a story. For me, the story of the AKSSADA Siddi community (All Karnataka Siddi Social & Aspirational Diversification Association) begins with my father, Cajetan Francis Kamberkar. He was not only a pioneer for the Siddi community in Karnataka but also the inspiration behind my life’s mission.
This blog is my humble tribute to him—a story of resilience, sacrifice, and an unshakable commitment to the AKSSADA Siddi community.
Early Life and Struggles of a Siddi Pioneer
Early Life and Struggles of a Siddi Pioneer
Born on 12 August 1948 in Gadgira, Haliyal taluk, my father’s childhood was shaped by poverty and hardship. He was the youngest of three brothers, born to Francies Isanthi Kamberkar, a farmer, and Sobeina Francies Kambrekar, a homemaker.
Walking 10–15 km through dense forests just to attend school, he defied all odds and became the first Siddi in Karnataka to graduate. This achievement was not just personal—it was a milestone for our entire community, proving that education could break barriers.
The Birth of AKSDA: Foundation for the AKSSADA Siddi Community
During his college years, my father faced a moment that would change the course of his life—and eventually the destiny of the entire Siddi community in Karnataka.
He got an opportunity to study abroad, He had gone to apply for a caste certificate, a document essential for education, employment, and government benefits. When he presented his request, the tahsildar (local revenue officer) coldly rejected it, saying:
“There is no caste called Siddi.”
For my father, these words were not just an insult but a denial of his very existence. Standing there with dignity, he firmly replied:
“Sir, how can you say that, when I am standing right in front of you?”
That confrontation planted a seed in him. He realized that the biggest challenge the Siddi people faced was invisibility—they were not recognized, not documented, and therefore excluded from rights and opportunities.
Instead of letting anger consume him, he turned it into purpose. By 1982–83, he mobilized like-minded youth and elders to form the All Karnataka Siddi Development Association (AKSDA), the first-ever Siddi-led organization in the state.
Through AKSDA, my father began:
Uniting Siddi families scattered across remote forest areas.
Documenting the struggles and needs of the community.
Fighting for recognition and dignity at government offices.
Creating awareness that Siddis are not outsiders, but an integral part of Karnataka’s social fabric.
This was the first organized platform where Siddis could collectively raise their voices. What began as a response to personal humiliation became a movement for identity and justice.
Started a moment for inclusion in schedule caste
Introduced Siddi youth to the Special Area Games (SAI) program
Helped athletes secure government jobs through sports
Create sustainable livelihoods through farming, beekeeping, handicrafts, and eco-friendly practices.
Guided families with caste certificates and land claims
When I once asked him why no one gave him credit, he answered:
“I don’t do this for recognition. They achieved their goals through their own hard work. I only showed them the path.”
Family Sacrifice and Service to the Siddi Community
Behind my father’s public legacy was a private struggle that only our family truly understood. While he dedicated his energy, time, and even his salary to uplifting the Siddi community, it meant that our household had to quietly bear many sacrifices.
My mother, who passed away in 2010, was his quiet strength. She sometimes worried when he gave away money meant for our family to help someone in need—whether for school fees, bus fare to a government office, or an urgent household expense. Yet, even in those moments, she stood firmly by his side, encouraging him to continue his path of service.
We were a family of five: our father, our mother, and us three children—two daughters and one son. I was the eldest, my brother was in the middle, and my sister was the youngest. My father made a rare and bold choice for us—he enrolled all of us in English-medium schools. This decision came with a heavy cost. Many times, we managed with fewer books, shared shoes, or wore hand-me-down clothes, but our parents worked hard to shield us from hardship. For them, education was an investment worth every sacrifice.
Through these choices, my father and mother taught us lessons far greater than academics:
Service to others is greater than personal comfort.
Sacrifice for education creates opportunities that last for generations.
True leadership often means giving quietly without expecting recognition.
Though our material comforts were limited, our home was rich with values—resilience, empathy, and courage. Looking back now, I see how their sacrifices not only shaped our family but also strengthened my father’s lifelong service to the Siddi community. He believed that service to the Siddi community mattered more than recognition or comfort.
Revival Before the End
In 2015, my father revived AKSDA with renewed energy. “Furthermore, he believed the organization still had an important role to play in empowering the Siddi community. Under his leadership, AKSSADA once again became active, addressing issues faced by families in remote villages, assisting them with applications, helping resolve land rights matters, and mentoring youth leaders.”
“Among his many contributions, one stood out as a landmark achievement: initiating Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for the Belagavi Siddis.
However, although officials had already recognized Siddis in other districts, they still overlooked the Belagavi community for years. “Undeterred, my father and his team began a long, determined process—gathering documents, submitting applications, and working closely with officials to ensure the community’s voice was heard.”
On 28 May 2018, my father met with a road accident and suffered a leg fracture. “Despite being bedridden, he continued to follow the progress of the ST application with unwavering determination.”
“On 18 June 2018, local newspapers announced the historic news: Belagavi Siddis would finally be included in the ST list. The very next day, community leaders came to our home carrying a newspaper clipping to share the good news with him.
Despite being in pain and confined to bed, my father’s heart filled with joy—he had lived to witness the long-awaited recognition of his people.”
However, the excitement proved too much for his fragile body. That same day, while still surrounded by those leaders, he suffered a fatal heart attack. In that moment, it felt as though his mission had been fulfilled—he left this world at peace, knowing that the community he had dedicated his life to had finally gained dignity and recognition.”
“After my father passed away, he entrusted all the AKSSADA documents to the existing committee members. Unfortunately, they could not continue the work because of their personal reasons.”
“Somewhere deep inside, I felt we should step forward and take responsibility to carry the mission forward—this time in an official and sustainable way. “When we tried to revive AKSSADA, we discovered that the authorities had deregistered the organization due to non-compliance. As a result, they told us we needed to complete a new registration to continue our work.”
“That was the turning point. My husband and I decided to create something new on the foundation my father had laid. This decision led to the birth of the AKSSADA Foundation—a Section 8 non-profit organization committed to carrying forward his vision and legacy.”
His efforts continue to guide the spirit of the AKSSADA Siddi community today.
Carrying the Legacy Forward with AKSSADA
AKSSADA Siddi Community:Our Focus at AKSSADA Foundation
Empower rural and forest-based communities through education, skills, and awareness.
Preserve and celebrate Siddi identity and heritage—our culture, traditions, and history.
Support women, youth, and elders in building a life of dignity, security, and pride.
“Through the AKSSADA Siddi community initiative, we are determined to ensure his sacrifices, dreams, and lifelong service inspire future generations.”
Empower rural and forest-based communities
Preserve and celebrate Siddi identity and heritage
Create sustainable livelihoods through farming, beekeeping, and crafts
Support women, youth, and elders in building a dignified future
Learn more: https://akssada.org
Conclusion: The Spirit of the AKSSADA Siddi Community Lives On
My father lived for his people. Today, I walk in his footsteps—not as a replica, but as a continuation of his spirit.
This blog is not just a tribute. It is a call to support the AKSSADA Siddi community in their fight for dignity, justice, and sustainable futures.
🔗 Learn more about our work: Akssada Foundation https://akssada.org/
This article is part of our broader documentation work. For extended narratives and original reports, visit akssada.com.