Governor Mangubhai Patel expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the efforts being made to spread the contributions of Lord Birsa Munda to the people. He said that Tribal Pride Day, which started with the efforts of Prime Minister Modi, has helped familiarize the country and the world with the contribution of tribal heroes in our independence.
Birsa Munda, who fought bravely against the British and was worshiped by the people, was the founder of the Munda Revolution. He also mentioned the contribution of martyrs Rayanna in the armed guerrilla struggle, Siddho Santhal and Kanhu Santhal who joined the Santhal rebellion or the Hul movement with bow and arrowand their younger brother Chand and Bhairav.
Governor Mangubhai Patel highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's deep commitment to the welfare of the tribal community, noting that the budget allocated for their development has been increased more than fivefold. He emphasized that initiatives like the PM Jan Man Yojana are charting a new course for tribal welfare. Special efforts are being undertaken to uplift marginalized tribal groups such as the Baiga, Sahariya, and other backward communities. Governor Patel was speaking at a grand state-level event celebrating Tribal Pride Day on the occasion of Lord Birsa Munda Jayanti in Dhar on Friday. The function was presided over by Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav.
Patel said that Prime Minister Modi has set a target of freeing the country from deadly disease like sickle cell by the year 2047. Every section of the society will have to come forward in this effort.He urged everyone to make special efforts to create awareness regarding the eradication of this disease. Treatment of this disease is possible with timely diagnosis.
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav described the occasion as a day of celebration, honoring the birth of Lord Birsa Munda, a symbol of pride for society. He noted that it was Prime Minister Narendra Modi who initiated the observance of this day as Tribal Pride Day. Birsa Munda is remembered for his courageous efforts to protect water, forests, and land, as well as his remarkable contributions to safeguarding Mother India and inspiring societal change.
He was a pioneer in raising his voice against forced conversions and emphasized the importance of preserving culture, stating, "If culture survives, we survive.” Dr. Yadav highlighted Birsa Munda’s significant role in Indian history as a defender of cultural heritage.
He also mentioned that both the university and the railway station have been named after Tantya Mama, reflecting the government’s commitment to tribal welfare. He reaffirmed that the government remains dedicated to the upliftment of the tribal community and will continue its efforts in this direction.
