BJP Organises Nationwide Events for Birsa Munda Birth Anniversary

UPDATE - follow-up to BJP to mark Janjatiya Gaurav Divas with week-long nationwide programmes: The Bharatiya Janata Party is organising over 1,000 events across 240 tribal-dominated districts and 568 Assembly constituencies to mark the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. BJP national general secretary and Lok Sabha MP Gajendra Patel stated that the events running from November 11 to 18 will showcase positive changes in tribal and Adivasi lives.

Historical Context

Birsa Munda was born on November 15, 1875, in Ulihatu village of Khunti district in Jharkhand. Mr. Patel noted that young Birsa Munda fought against British oppression over land and religious conversion issues, leading the Ulgulan revolution with the slogan 'Abua Dishum, Abua Raj', which means 'Our Country, Our Rule'. The British poisoned him to death in Ranchi Jail at the age of 25. He also recalled other tribal freedom fighters including Tilka Manjhi, Sidhu-Kanhu, Rani Durgavati, and Alluri Sitarama Raju.

Government Initiatives

The Union Government declared November 15 as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas in 2021, and Droupadi Murmu became India's first tribal President in 2022. Mr. Patel pointed to schemes like PM JANMAN, the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, and Eklavya Model Residential Schools, while accusing past Congress governments of ignoring tribal welfare.

Context

Janjatiya Gaurav Divas honours the history and culture of tribal communities in India. Such week-long state programmes aim to increase public awareness about tribal freedom fighters and government welfare projects.