On the occasion of Birsa Munda Jayanti, the first Annual Lecture of Birsa Munda Canter for Tribal Affairs and dedication of newly constructed student’s dining hall was held today at IIM Ranchi in a mixed offline as well virtual mode. The occasion was graced by Minister of State for Education, Government of India, Annpurna Devi as the Chief Guest and Ranchi Mayor, Asha Lakra.
Dignitaries who spoke in the event included Devi and Lakra, Chairperson, Board of Governors, IIM Ranchi, Praveen Shankar Pandya, Director IIM Ranchi, Shailendra Singh and others event and mentioned about the planning and development of Birsa Munda Centre for Tribal Affairs. He stated that the Institute had started with 1 programme and 44 students and in a period of 11 years now has 7 programmes and more than 1000 students in its rolls. He talked about the centre as a study and research centre for tribal issues. He also mentioned various activities running under this centre such as Unnat Bharat Abhiyan, Van Dhan Vikas Kendra, research on tribal women conditions and others.
Minister of State for Education, Government of India, Annpurna Devi, expressed her gratitude for the 75th year of Indian independence which is being celebrated as Azaadi ka Amrit Mohotsav throughout the country. She also thanked Prime Minister Modi for declaring 15th November as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas and 15th - 22nd November as Janjatiya Gaurav Mohotsav in the honour of Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
She also highlighted the role of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 which has facilitated the inclusion of transformative curricula that aim for the holistic development of learners, equipping them with the key 21st-century skills, enhancing essential learning and critical thinking, and placing greater focus on experiential learning, thereby providing a holistic approach to the learning process. She emphasised that management is an essential part of every aspect of our lives and expressed her expectation from IIM Ranchi to take it to the masses through various initiatives which would benefit the nation. She also appealed to IIM and its students to take up entrepreneurial initiatives and create employment opportunities for others. Further, she encouraged the Birsa Munda Centre to take up lectures, short term courses, research activities, etc. on tribal issues.
Praveen Shanker Pandya spoke about the development of the new campus of the Institute and also about the continuous rise of the institution in the academic community. He encouraged the students to actively participate in the centre and keep working ahead for the development of the country.
Lakra in her address emphasised the struggles and contributions of Bhagwan Birsa Munda towards the development of tribals and the state of Jharkhand. She congratulated IIM Ranchi for taking up the Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana and envisioned its success in making the tribals self-reliant. She also acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his efforts towards upliftment of the tribals.