The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, on 10th November has approved the declaration of 15th November as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas dedicated to the memory of brave tribal freedom fighters coming generations could know about their sacrifices about the country.
India’s freedom struggle was strengthened by several movements by tribal communities such as Santhals, Tamars, Kols, Bhils, Khasis and Mizos, to name a few. Their immense courage and supreme sacrifice marked the revolutionary movements and struggles organized by the tribal communities.
Tribal movements in different regions against the British colonial rule were linked with the national freedom struggle and inspired Indians all over the country. However, the public at large is not much aware of these tribal heroes.
The date is the birth anniversary of Sri Birsa Munda, who is revered as Bhagwan by tribal communities across the country. Birsa Munda fought bravely against the country against the exploitative system of the British colonial system and spearheaded the movement against British oppression, giving a call for ‘Ulgulan’ (Revolution). The declaration acknowledges the glorious history and cultural heritage of tribal communities. The day will be celebrated every year and would recognize the tribals’ efforts to preserve cultural heritage and promote Indian values of courage, hospitality, and national pride. Tribal Freedom Fighter Museum at Ranchi, where Birsa Munda breathed his last.
The government of India has planned week-long celebrations starting from 15th November to 22nd November 2021 to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of the glorious history of tribal people, culture and achievements.
As part of the celebration, several activities have been planned jointly with State Governments. The theme behind each activity is to showcase the achievements of tribals in the Indian Freedom struggle, various welfare measures taken by the Government of India in education, health, livelihood, infrastructure and skill development etc.
The events will also display the unique tribal cultural heritage, contributions to freedom struggle, practices, rights, traditions, cuisines, health, education and livelihood.
Who is Bhagwan Birsa Munda
Birsa Munda was an Indian tribal freedom fighter, religious leader, and folk hero who belonged to the Munda tribe. He spearheaded a tribal religious millenarian movement that arose in the Bengal Presidency (now Jharkhand) in the late 19th century, during the British Raj, making him an important figure in the history of the Indian independence movement. The revolt mainly concentrated in the Munda belt of Khunti, Tamar, Sawada and Bandgaon.
Government of India has declared that the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda will be celebrated as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas. To mark the occasion, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will inaugurate भगवान बिरसा मुंडा स्मृति उद्यान सह स्वतंत्रता सेनानी संग्रहालय at Ranchi on 15th November,2021.
भगवान बिरसा मुंडा स्मृति उद्यान सह स्वतंत्रता सेनानी संग्रहालय
भगवान बिरसा मुंडा स्मृति उद्यान सह स्वतंत्रता सेनानी संग्रहालय has been built in association with the State Government of Jharkhand at the Old Central Jail in Ranchi, where Bhagwan Birsa Munda had sacrificed his life. It will serve as a tribute to his sacrifice for the nation and tribal communities.
The museum will play an important role in preserving and promoting tribal culture and history. It will also demonstrate the way the tribals struggled for protecting their forests, land rights, their culture and would show their valour and sacrifices, vital for nation building.
Along with Bhagwan Birsa Munda, the museum will also highlight other tribal freedom fighters associated with different movements such as Shahid Budhu Bhagat, Sidhu-Kanhu, Nilambar-Pitambar, Diwa-Kisun, Telanga Khadiya, Gaya Munda, Jatra Bhagat, Poto H, Bhagirath Manjhi, Ganga Narayan Singh.
Museum will contain a 25 feet statue of Bhagwan Birsa Munda and 9 feet statues of other freedom fighters of the region as well.
A Smriti Udyan has been developed in neighbouring 25 acres and it will have a musical fountain, food court, Children Park, infinity pool, garden and other entertainment facilities
Source: PIB
