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India Celebrates 150th Birth Anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda on Janjatiya Gaurav Divas
India Celebrates 150th Birth Anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda on Janjatiya Gaurav Divas
New Delhi, November 15, 2025 – The global Indian diaspora joins the nation in commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, the iconic tribal freedom fighter revered as Dharti Aaba (Father of the Earth). Celebrated as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, this historic milestone concludes the year-long Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh, a nationwide tribute to India’s indigenous heroes who fought for dignity, land rights, and cultural preservation.
From the United States to the United Arab Emirates, NRIs and PIOs are organizing virtual events, cultural programs, and webinars to honor Munda’s legacy of resistance against British colonial oppression. Indian embassies and consulates worldwide are hosting photo exhibitions and film screenings on the Ulgulan movement, which inspired millions to reclaim their ancestral rights over Jal-Jangal-Jameen (water, forest, land).
Prime Minister Modi Launches ₹9,700 Crore Tribal Welfare Projects in Gujarat
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the national celebrations from Dediapada in Narmada district, Gujarat, a region with deep tribal roots. Addressing a massive gathering of Adivasi communities, he paid tributes to Birsa Munda and launched development projects worth over ₹9,700 crore focused on education, healthcare, housing, and connectivity.
Key initiatives include:
- 1 lakh homes handed over under PM-JANMAN and DAJGUA schemes
- Tap water connections for 10,000 tribal households
- 42 new Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) inaugurated; foundation for 50 more
- 228 Multi-Purpose Community Centres to boost local entrepreneurship
- 250 buses flagged off for 14 tribal districts
- 748 km of new roads and 14 Tribal Multi-Marketing Centres (TMMCs)
- Dedicated Tribal Research Institute in Imphal and Centre of Competence in Dibrugarh
The event began with PM Modi offering prayers at the Dev Mogra Mata Temple, followed by vibrant tribal performances from Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. A special drama on Birsa Munda’s life was live-streamed to 23 tribal talukas.
President Murmu, VP Dhankhar Pay Tributes in Delhi
In New Delhi, President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar offered floral tributes at Prerna Sthal in Parliament. Joined by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, the leaders participated in cultural performances. VP Dhankhar and Speaker Birla played the traditional dhol, symbolizing unity with tribal heritage.
President Murmu, in her message, said:
“Bhagwan Birsa Munda Ji’s sacrifice for the pride of our motherland continues to inspire generations. His vision of justice and self-rule remains a guiding light.”
Global Echoes: How the Diaspora is Celebrating
- USA: The Indian Consulate in New York hosted a virtual panel on “Birsa Munda and Indigenous Rights,” featuring tribal scholars from Jharkhand.
- Canada: Toronto’s Indian community organized a Birsa Munda Run for Justice, raising funds for tribal education in India.
- UAE: Dubai’s Indian Cultural Centre screened documentaries on the Ulgulan movement, attended by over 500 NRIs.
- Australia: Sydney’s Gujarat Samaj distributed Birsa Munda commemorative books to schools to educate young Indian-Australians.
A Legacy That Resonates Worldwide
Born in 1875 in Ulihatu (Jharkhand), Birsa Munda led the Ulgulan rebellion (1899–1900) against British land grabs and missionary influence. His slogan — “Abua Raj Ete Jana, Maharaj Ete Jana” (Let our kingdom come) — continues to inspire indigenous movements globally.
PM Modi announced Birsa Munda Janjatiya Upvans — commemorative forests in tribal districts — to promote environmental conservation, a value deeply rooted in Adivasi culture.
As India marks Jharkhand Foundation Day alongside this occasion, the diaspora takes pride in a leader whose fight for dignity transcends borders.
Johar to Dharti Aaba!
Let his spirit of courage and justice inspire every Indian, wherever they are.
Stay connected with NRI Globe for live updates from Janjatiya Gaurav Divas events worldwide.
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