Modi government has announced that revered tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary will be celebrated as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today paid tributes to the freedom fighter.
Birsa was born in the tribal belt of the undivided Bihar in 1875. Munda rallied tribals against the British colonial rule and conversion activities of Christian Missionaries. He died during the struggle period in 1900 in a Ranchi jail.
Vajpayee’s BJP government had created Jharkahd state in 2000 on Munda’s birth anniversary.
“On this day, due to the strong will of Atal ji, the State of Jharkhand came into existence. Atal ji was the first to form a separate Tribal Ministry in the government & linked the tribal interests with the policies of the country,” Modi reminded.
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Modi in his address, said, “As we celebrate Gandhi Jayanti, Baba Saheb Jayanti, we will celebrate the anniversary of Bhagwan Baba Birsa Munda on 15th Nov.”
Modi remebers the unsung Heroes
On this occasion, Modi reminded the nation about several more unsung heroes and struggles. “Many struggles, including Khasi-Garo movement, Mizo movement, Kol movement has taken place in the past to protect the country against the foreign rule, ” he further said.
PM also recalled, “The country cannot forget the bravery of Gond Maharani Veer Durgavati & the sacrifice of Rani Kamalapati. The ideals of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj which Babasaheb Purandare ji presented in front of the country, these ideals will continue to inspire us.”
“Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, 30 lakh Rural & Adivasi families of Madhya Pradesh have gained access to potable tap water. Today the speed of development in tribal areas is same as in other parts of the country. Whether houses for the poor, toilets, free electricity, road or free treatment, speed of development in tribal areas is not lacking” he said.
“Those who are working for the welfare of tribal and rural society are the real diamonds of our country. We are determined to work day & night for the welfare of Janjatiya community,” Modi added.
Munda: the warrior against Christianity
He also inaugurated Bhagwan Birsa Munda Museum in Ranchi today through video conferencing. The PM said that Bhagwan Birsa Munda, fought for the rights of his land & culture. His ideals will continue to inspire generations to come.
Christian missionaries had converted Birsa Munda to Christianity during his childhood. Missionaries had converted his entire family in lieu of giving him admission to a convent school. The family But, on growing up he saw through the mischief of missionaries. He re-converted to Hinduism and fought against Christianisation of tribals.