Why is Birsa Munda Birth Anniversary Celebrated as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas? – News18

BIRSA MUNDA BIRTH ANNIVERSARY 2023: November 15 is celebrated as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, also known as Tribal Pride Day, to honour the birth anniversary of the revered tribal freedom fighter, Birsa Munda. Born in 1875, Birsa Munda played a pivotal role in leading a rebellious movement against British colonial rule and conversion activities in the regions that were once part of the Bengal Presidency and are now part of Jharkhand. His fearless rebellion in the Munda belt—encompassing Khunti, Tamar, Sarwada, and Bandgaon—contributed significantly to the resurgence of traditional tribal culture.

PM MODI TO LAUNCH ‘VIKSIT BHARAT SANKALP YATRA’

To commemorate this historic day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra’ from Ulihatu village in Jharkhand, making him the first sitting Prime Minister to visit the birthplace of this tribal icon. The yatra is set to cover all districts across the country by January 25.

BIRTH OF A REVOLUTIONARY LEADER

Birsa Munda’s impactful slogan, ‘Abua Raj Ete Jana, Maharani Raj Tundu Jana,’ which translates to “Let the queen’s kingdom end, and our kingdom be established,” became a rallying cry for tribal empowerment.

Despite his young age, Birsa Munda’s dedication to tribal causes earned him the title of ‘Bhagwan’ or Lord. He tragically passed away at the age of 25 in British custody at the Ranchi jail.

RECOGNIZING A VISIONARY LEADER

Recognizing the immense contributions of Birsa Munda, the Union Cabinet declared November 15 as ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas’ on November 10, 2021. This annual celebration pays homage to the visionary leader’s role in India’s freedom movement.

In the same year, PM Modi inaugurated a museum in Ranchi dedicated to the memory of Birsa Munda, also known as Dharti Aaba. Speaking on the occasion, PM Modi emphasized that observing Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas provides an opportunity to celebrate the rich tribal culture and its substantial contributions to national development.

CELEBRATION OF TRIBAL CULTURE

The museum, situated at the Old Central Jail in Ranchi where Birsa Munda breathed his last, features a 25-feet tall statue of the tribal icon. It also showcases the contributions of other tribal freedom fighters, including Budhu Bhagat, Sidhu-Kanhu, Gaya Munda, Jatra Bhagat, Poto H, Nilambar-Pitambar, Bhagirath Manjhi, Diwa-Kisun, Telanga Khadiya, and Ganga Narayan Singh.

Adjacent to the museum is a 25-acre memorial park boasting a musical fountain, food court, children’s park, infinity pool, garden, and other entertainment facilities. This collaborative project between the Centre and the Jharkhand Government stands as a tribute to the indomitable spirit and legacy of Birsa Munda and his fellow tribal freedom fighters.