Centre Declares Birsa Munda’s Birth Anniversary On November 15 As Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas

New Delhi/Bhubaneswar: The Centre on Wednesday announced to observe the birth anniversary of tribal leader Birsa Munda on November 15 as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas.

Speaking to the media after Union Cabinet meeting where the proposal in this regard was approved, Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Singh Thakur said November 15 will be dedicated to the memory of tribal freedom fighters so that coming generations could know about their sacrifices for the country.

He said the announcement has been made in recognition of the tribal leader’s contribution to the country’s freedom struggle, particularly among the tribals. Under the leadership of Birsa Munda, the tribals waged a revolution called ‘Ulgulan’, he added.

The government has planned week-long celebrations from November 15 to 22 to commemorate 75 years of the history of the tribals, their culture and achievements. The programmes planned jointly with the state governments will showcase the tribal culture, practices, traditions, cuisines, health and education.

Born on November 15, 1875, he belonged to the Munda tribe in Chhotanagpur Plateau area. He had had organised his first protest march against the British rule for the remission of forest dues when the great famine of 1895 broke out.

He was arrested on March 3, 1900, while he was sleeping with his tribal guerilla army at Jamkopai forest in Chakradharpur. He died in Ranchi jail on June 9 that year at the age of 25.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ address on October 24 had recalled the contributions of Birsa Munda also known as ‘Dharti Aaba’.
“Bhagwan Birsa Munda was always at the forefront while helping the poor and the distressed. He also made society aware of eliminating social evils. Who can forget his leadership during the UIgulan movement,” Modi said.

 

It may be noted that India’s largest hockey stadium, which is coming up at Rourkela in Sundargarh district, has been named after Birsa Munda. The stadium is being built to host Men’s FIH Hockey World Cup in 2023.

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