Remembering a tribal leader whose fight for dignity, rights and freedom became part of India’s struggle against injustice, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday paid tribute to Bhagwan Birsa Munda on his 151st birth anniversary at Baansera Park in Delhi. The Delhi BJP also paid tribute to the tribal revolutionary on his 151st anniversary.
She said his life remained an enduring inspiration for those fighting exploitation and protecting their culture, while stressing the need to bring tribal communities into the mainstream of development.
The Chief Minister laid floral tributes at Birsa Munda’s statue on the occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, observed as Tribal Pride Day. She also joined other dignitaries in listening to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address. MLA Tarvinder Singh Marwah and other prominent personalities were present.
The Chief Minister said Birsa Munda had mobilised tribal communities to stand up for their rights, dignity and freedom. She said his courage, sacrifice, and commitment to the country made him one of the key figures in India’s freedom struggle and a symbol of resistance against injustice.
She said his legacy went beyond remembering a historical figure. His life offered lessons in standing up to exploitation, preserving cultural traditions, and remaining committed to the nation. Observing his birth anniversary as Tribal Pride Day, she added, helped introduce younger generations to the struggles and contributions of tribal communities.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the Centre’s initiatives for tribal welfare under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. She said communities that had been neglected for decades were receiving greater attention, with efforts to recognise their history, cultural identity and contribution to the country.
According to the Chief Minister, bringing tribal heroes and their contributions into public focus was important for restoring recognition and pride among these communities. She said their heritage was an integral part of India’s national identity and deserved wider acknowledgement.
Referring to the government’s development initiatives, the Chief Minister cited the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) and the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan. Union Minister of State Harsh Malhotra, MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri and many office-bearers paid Munda their tributes.
Malhotra said that the BJP believes “Bhagwan Birsa Munda” was not just a revolutionary, but a symbol of social harmony, and the conservation of water, forests, land and self-respect.
His “Ulgulan” movement shook the foundations of British rule, he said. Since 2021, Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas has been observed every year on November 15 to commemorate the birth anniversary of tribal fighter Birsa Munda.