HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Nov 15: The 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, celebrated nationally as Janajatiya Gaurav Diwas was marked with great enthusiasm in Haflong, with representatives from all indigenous tribal communities of Dima Hasao participating. Assam Minister for Sports and Youth Welfare Nandita Gorlosa, North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC) Chairman Mohet Hojai, Executive Member Donphainon Thaosen, other council members, Principal Secretary i/c Partha Sarathi Jahari, District Commissioner Munindra Nath Ngatey and Padma Shri awardee Jaynacharan Bathari were present.
Floral tributes were paid to Birsa Munda for his extraordinary contribution to protecting the honour of the motherland and to local freedom fighter Veer Sambudhan Phonglo. The event featured traditional performances, exhibitions of tribal heritage and recognition of local tribal achievers. Freedom fighters such as Chengzapou Doungel, Rani Gaidinliu, Jaya Thaosen, and Haipou Jadonang were also remembered.
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In her address, Minister Gorlosa highlighted the contribution of tribal communities to nation-building and praised the government’s commitment to tribal welfare. “The tribals like Bhagwan Birsa Munda fought for the freedom of the nation. This celebration reflects unity and pride,” she said. NCHAC Chairman Mohet Hojai and EM Donphainon Thaosen emphasised the importance of recognizing tribal heritage and the ongoing inspiration from Birsa Munda’s legacy.
As part of the programme, the foundation stone for an Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) was laid by CEM Debolal Gorlosa at Larbo under Council Hamri Constituency, coinciding with the central inauguration of other EMRS by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The central celebration was live-streamed across all states, including Dima Hasao, allowing widespread participation.
Our Kokrajhar Correspondent adds: Bodoland University inaugurated the week-long celebration of Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh 2025 with an exhibition highlighting North East India’s indigenous art, crafts, handloom traditions and food cultures. Held at the Jwhwlao Nileswar Brahma Auditorium, the event is part of the “Empowering Marginalised Women of the Sixth Scheduled Areas of Assam” project, supported by the North Eastern Council (NEC), Ministry of DoNER, and organized in collaboration with TRIFED under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
The inauguration featured a traditional Dahal Thungrui welcome dance, lighting of the ceremonial lamp, and a floral tribute to Bhagwan Birsa Munda. Key addresses were delivered by Dr Z Khiangte and P S Aleng of TRIFED-NER and Prof B L Ahuja, Vice-Chancellor of Bodoland University, emphasising cultural preservation, women’s empowerment and regional heritage. A special book release by MLA Rabiram Narzary and a song presentation by Nileswar Brahma added to the celebrations.
Distinguished guests included Colonel David L Khojol and Dawa Penjor, who highlighted cross-border cultural links and community development. The exhibition, running until November 22, features indigenous textiles, crafts, handloom products, tribal food cultures, live craft demonstrations and works by women artisans from Sixth Schedule areas.
The initiative aims to promote tribal artisanship, strengthen economic opportunities for women and celebrate indigenous identity and heritage.
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Our Goalpara Correspondent adds: Minister of Tribal Affairs and Education Dr Ranoj Pegu on Saturday indicated that a resolution on the long-standing demand for six indigenous communities—Tai Ahom, Moran, Motok, Chutia, Tea Tribes and Koch Rajbongshi—to be granted Scheduled Tribe status is expected by November 25.
The announcement was made during the 150th birth anniversary celebration of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, observed as Janajatiya Gaurav Divas at Amjonga High School field in Dudhnoi, Goalpara. Dr Pegu also inaugurated the new office building of the Integrated Tribal Development Project and Sub-Divisional Welfare Office, constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 7.24 crore.
Chief Executive Member of Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council, Tankeswar Rabha, lauded the project, expressing hope for positive local development. The event was attended by a large crowd from various tribal communities, along with officials including Goalpara DC Pradip Timung, Co-DC Arun Kumar Brahma and SSP Nabaneet Mahanta. Birsa Munda, revered as ‘Birsa Bhagawan’ is remembered for his leadership against British oppression and efforts to restore tribal cultural and religious identity.
