Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Jamui, in Bihar on November 15, 2024.
Jamui: Lending his ear to the tribals here, Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the commencement of the 150th birth anniversary year celebration of Bhagwan Birsa Munda on the occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas and laid the foundation stone and inaugurated various development projects worth around Rs 6,640 crore here today.
In a tribute to Bhagwan Birsa Munda on Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, the Department of Posts proudly released a commemorative postage stamp to honor the 150th birth anniversary of the legendary tribal leader and freedom fighter. Modi unveiled a commemorative postage stamp in the gracious presence of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar during a grand celebration held here.
The Prime Minister noted that Swachhata Abhiyan was held in the past three days in Jamui as a precursor to today’s Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas. He congratulated various stakeholders like the administration, citizens of Jamui and women folk in particular for the Swachhata Abhiyan.
Terming today as a very holy day, Modi remarked that Karthik Poonima, Dev Deepawali as well as the 550th Birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev was being observed and greeted the citizens of India for the same.
Recalling that he was in Dharthi Abha Birsa Munda’s birth village Ulihatu on last year’s Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, the Prime Minister remarked that this year he was in a place which had witnessed the bravery of martyr Tilka Manjhi and added that this occasion was even more special as the country was marking the commencement of 150th Birth Anniversary Year celebration of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. He added that the celebrations would go on for the upcoming year.
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The Prime Minister congratulated the one crore people from various villages who had joined virtually in today’s event at Jamui, Bihar. Modi said he was pleased to welcome the descendant of Birsa Munda, Budharam Munda and descendant of Sidhu Kanhu, Mandal Murmu today.
Born on 15th November 1875 in Ulihatu, Bihar (present-day Jharkhand), Birsa Munda led the historic Ulgulan (Great Rebellion) from 1899 to 1900, rallying thousands in the fight to reclaim tribal lands and resist colonial oppression. His advocacy for “Munda Raj” symbolized his dream of a just and self-governed society free from exploitation. Though he passed at just 25, his message of courage and resilience continues to inspire communities throughout India.
The inauguration and foundation stone laying of multiple development projects worth over Rs 6640 crore was done today and the Prime Minister said these projects comprised around 1.5 lakh approval letters for pucca houses for tribals, schools and hostels for the betterment of tribal children’s future, health facilities for tribal women, road projects connecting tribal areas, tribal museums and research centres to conserve the tribal culture.
Modi also mentioned Grih Pravesh (housewarming ceremony) of 11,000 Awas (houses) built for the tribals and congratulated all the tribals on this occasion.
Highlighting today’s celebration of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas and the beginning of the Janjatiya Gaurav Year, Modi said the celebrations marked an honest attempt to correct a major historical injustice. He added that the tribals had not received their due recognition in the society in the post-independence period.
Referring to the contributions of tribal society, the Prime Minister said it was the tribal society which transformed Prince Ram to Lord Ram as well as leading the fight for centuries to protect India’s culture and independence. However, he added, there were attempts to wipe out such important contributions of tribal society in the decades after independence fueled by “selfish politics”.
Modi emphasised the “great contribution” of tribal society to the ancient medicine system of India, and remarked that this heritage was being protected along with adding new dimensions for future generations. He pointed out that the Government had set up the National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa in Leh, and upgraded the North-Eastern Institute of Ayurved and Folk Medicine research in Arunachal Pradesh. He informed that the government was also setting up a Global Centre for Traditional Medicine under the auspices of the World Health Organization, “which will help further propagate the traditional medicine system of Tribals across the world”.
Enlisting the various contributions of tribals to India’s independence like the Ulgulan movement, Kol rebellion, Santhal rebellion, and Bhil movement, Modi said the contributions of tribals were immense. He added that various tribal leaders from across India like Alluri Sitarama Raju, Tilka Manjhi, Sidhu Kanhu, Budhu Bhagat, Telang Kharia, Govinda Guru, Telangana’s Ramji Gond, Madhya Pradesh’s Badal Bhoi, Raja Shankar Shah, Kuvar Raghunath Shah, Tantya Bhil, Jatra Bhagat, Lakshman Naik, Mizoram’s Ropuiliani, Raj Mohini Devi, Rani Gaidinliu, Kalibai, Gondwana’s queen Rani Durgavati Devi and numerous others could never be forgotten.
Modi also referred to the Mangarh Massacre, where the Britishers had killed thousands of tribals, which could not be forgotten.
– global bihari bureau
