HT Correspondent
DIBRUHARH, Nov 15: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, from Jamui district in Bihar, inaugurated the celebration of the 150th birth anniversary of Dharti Aaba Bhagwan Birsa Munda as the nation came together to observe ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Divas’.
Union minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, joined PM Narendra Modi from the playground of Dinjoye Tea Estate in Chabua, Dibrugarh.
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In Dibrugarh, heartfelt tributes were paid to Bhagwan Birsa Munda and other prominent tribal leaders at the Dinjoye Tea Estate playground in Chabua. The event, led by Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal, featured the ceremonial distribution of ‘bhumi patta’ and Ayushman Health Insurance Cards to several tribal beneficiaries. The celebration showcased the vibrant cultural heritage of various ethnic tribal communities.
Speaking on the occasion, Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal said, “Bhagwan Birsa Munda, the heroic revolutionary and pride of India’s tribal communities, symbolises self-respect, sacrifice, and courage. His life and legacy continue to inspire strength, unity, and resilience. On his birth anniversary, we honour his role in uniting tribal societies against British colonial rule, embodying the spirit of self-reliance and inclusive growth for generations. To commemorate the great sacrifice made by tribal communities for nation-building, the entire country has come together to celebrate ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Divas’ on this pious day.”
Our Haflong correspondent adds: Dima Hasao district proudly commemorated ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Divas’ on Friday, coinciding with the 150th anniversary of the revered leader, Dharti Aaba Birsa Munda. In line with the rest of the country, Dima Hasao district witnessed the inauguration of various schemes worth Rs 6,900 crore, presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi through a live telecast from Jamui in Bihar. The celebration marked a significant step towards honouring tribal heritage and fostering inclusive development for all communities in Dima Hasao.
Mohet Hojai, chairman of the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council, highlighted various components of the new initiatives aimed at uplifting tribal communities. Speaking about Birsa Munda’s lasting contributions to tribal recognition and rights, Hojai emphasised the necessity of enhancing public awareness and ensuring governmental schemes reach the most underserved residents. He reflected on the district’s challenges, urging all departments to collaborate for the comprehensive upliftment of tribal populations.
District commissioner Simanta Kumar Das also addressed the gathering, drawing parallels between the struggles of the legendary Birsa Munda and ongoing efforts for tribal rights and freedoms. He underlined the importance of maintaining cultural identity and preserving the unique aspects of local communities. Furthermore, he called on all departments to identify gaps in development and work earnestly to elevate Dima Hasao to one of the top five districts in the state.
As part of the celebrations, five deserving individuals from each of the district’s five blocks were honored with certificates under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) for rural housing, presented by dignitaries in attendance.
Birsa Munda was a prominent tribal leader and freedom fighter who played a crucial role in India’s struggle against British colonial rule. Born on November 15, 1875, in Ulihatu, Jharkhand, Birsa Munda is remembered for his significant contributions to the tribal community and his efforts to resist British oppression.
The event was graced by the esteemed presence of NCHAC secretary Partha Jahari, Haflong Municipal Board chairman Ripa Hojai, additional deputy commissioner James Aind, and a host of officials, civil society members, and students.
Our Tezpur correspondent adds: The Sonitpur district administration, in collaboration with the Sonitpur District Tribal Sangha, commemorated ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Divas’ on Friday, marking the 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, the legendary tribal freedom fighter from Jharkhand. Observed nationwide, the day in Sonitpur began with the lighting of a ceremonial lamp and the laying of floral tributes in front of Dharti Aba Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s portrait.
Tezpur LAC MLA Prithiraj Rava graced the event as the guest of honour and highlighted Birsa Munda’s revolutionary contributions. He spoke about the unity and shared heritage of Assam’s ethnic communities and tribes, commemorating the historical journey of assimilation in the northeast. District commissioner Ankur Bharali, in his welcome address, acknowledged the central and state governments’ recent initiatives in spotlighting the nation’s unsung freedom heroes. He noted that these efforts foster awareness and encourage the preservation of unique cultural identities. He also mentioned the Dharti Aba Janajatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA) launched by the Prime Minister on October 2, 2024. Keynote speaker Professor Prasanta Boro of Rangapara College spoke on the significant role of constitutional rights in empowering tribal communities and shaping their identity within India’s nation-building efforts.
The event included a felicitation ceremony for family members of Sonitpur’s freedom fighters Maniram Kachari, Lerela Kachari, and Ratan Kachari. In support of local farmers, agricultural equipment was distributed to six farmers under the Integrated Tribal Development Project (ITDP) Tezpur and the Agriculture Department. Representatives from the Agriculture, Health, and Women & Child Development departments also provided an overview of various initiatives benefiting the Scheduled Tribes (ST) community.
Key attendees included district development commissioner Lakhinandan Saharia, co-district commissioner of Dhekiajuli Dyotiva Bora, ADCs Kabita Kakati Konwar and Twahir Alam, joint director of Health Services Dr Rupak Barua, chairperson of Sonitpur District Tribal Sangha Horen Mili, along with heads of various departments and representatives from tribal, student, and youth organisations. It is noteworthy that in 2021, the Indian government designated Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary as ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Divas’ during the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ to honour tribal contributions to India’s heritage and progress, fostering unity in diversity.
Similarly, Tezpur University also commemorated ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Divas’, celebrated on the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, a tribal leader and freedom fighter whose legacy continues to inspire. The University also honoured the unsung tribal heroes of India’s freedom struggle, particularly those from Northeast India. The University recalled Sikhna Jawhwlao, a Bodo freedom fighter who fought against the British during the late 18th century, Kamala Miri, who participated in the Quit India Movement, and Bhimbor Deori, a freedom fighter from the Deori community. The event, organised by the Centre for Inclusive Development, was attended by the vice-chancellor of the University, Prof Shambhu Nath Singh.
Highlighting the contribution of Birsa Munda and other tribal leaders to nation-building, the vice-chancellor said that the tribal population of the northeastern region of the country, with their distinct socio-cultural and socio-economic status, has played an important role in the development of the country. “I join the nation in saluting these tribal leaders for whose supreme sacrifice we are living a free life today,” Prof Singh remarked.
Dr Rajeev Doley, director of the Centre for Inclusive Development, in his address, said that because of the northeast’s ethnographic diversity and cultural richness, scholars have termed this region as ‘miniature India’ or an ‘anthropological museum’. A number of events celebrating the occasion are being organised, which will continue until November 26, 2024, coinciding with Constitution Day. A speech competition titled ‘The Role of Tribals in India’s Growth with Special Reference to Assam’ was also organised on the occasion.
