Jabalpur: The nation celebrated Janjatiya Gaurav Divas on November 15 with grand ceremonies across Madhya Pradesh, marking the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. Major events were held in Jabalpur and Alirajpur, featuring the participation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Governor Mangubhai Patel, and Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav.
PM Modi Addresses Nation, Says Tribal Heroes’ Sacrifice Was Long Ignored
Joining the Jabalpur ceremony virtually, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the country is now recognizing tribal icons who were historically overlooked.
He stated that “some families denied the sacrifices of tribal heroes to give credit for independence only to themselves.” Modi emphasized that Janjatiya Gaurav Divas is a reminder of the struggle, courage, and contributions of tribal warriors who led powerful resistance movements against British rule.
The Prime Minister highlighted numerous tribal freedom fighters, including Birsa Munda, Tantya Bhil, and Govind Guru, noting that their stories must be shared with the younger generation.
Grand Ceremony in Jabalpur: Birsa Munda’s 150th Birth Anniversary Celebrated
The Janjatiya Gaurav Divas event in Jabalpur was inaugurated by Governor Mangubhai Patel and CM Dr. Mohan Yadav, who paid floral tributes to tribal icons.
The ceremony included:
- Launch of the Shalini App
- Screening of a short film on Sickle Cell Anemia
- Collective singing of the National Anthem and Vande Mataram
The state honoured several distinguished personalities, including:
- Cricketer Kranti Gaur – awarded a cheque of ₹1 crore for her performance in the Women’s Cricket World Cup
- Padma Shri Arjun Singh Ghurwe
- Phuljharia Bai
- Ragini Marko (Vikram Awardee)
- Srishti Singh
CM Yadav: “We Are Proud of Our Tribal Movements and Heroes”
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav praised the rich tribal legacy of Madhya Pradesh, home to India’s largest tribal population.
He said tribal communities fiercely protected their forests, land, and self-respect, adding:
“The British Empire was challenged by our tribal brothers and sisters, who sacrificed everything for freedom.”
The CM credited PM Modi’s leadership for the increased focus on tribal development and heritage in recent years.
PM Modi Outlines Government Initiatives for Tribal Empowerment
In his address, PM Modi said tribal upliftment remains a national priority. He highlighted several accomplishments:
- Establishment of 10,000+ schools in tribal areas in the last two decades
- Creation of Tribal Universities in Gujarat
- Investment of ₹18,000 crore in Eklavya Model Residential Schools, with a 60% rise in admissions
- Promotion of Shri Anna (millets) to support livelihoods
- Screening of 6 crore people for sickle cell anemia
- Construction and renovation of tribal museums, including the redevelopment of the jail in Ranchi where Birsa Munda was once imprisoned
Modi emphasized that today, many political leaders—from the President of India to multiple Chief Ministers—come from tribal communities, marking a historic moment for representation and inclusion.
Alirajpur: Birsa Munda and Chitu Kirad Statues Unveiled
Before addressing the Jabalpur event, CM Mohan Yadav led a major celebration in Alirajpur, unveiling life-sized statues of Birsa Munda and local tribal hero Chitu Kirad.
The CM inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of development projects worth ₹244 crore (₹49.73 crore for groundbreaking and ₹194.87 crore for inaugurations).
Calling the day “greater than Diwali and Holi,” he praised Alirajpur’s revolutionary history, noting that heroes like Chitu Kirad and Tantya Mama fought fearlessly against British oppression.
He criticized past governments for neglecting tribal heroes, asserting that the BJP government has restored their rightful honour.
A Nation Celebrates Tribal Pride with Renewed Recognition
From honouring athletes and scholars to acknowledging tribal freedom fighters, this year’s Janjatiya Gaurav Divas showcased the government’s commitment to tribal welfare, cultural preservation, and historical recognition.
As PM Modi noted, ensuring that no tribal community is left behind is the true tribute to Bhagwan Birsa Munda and other icons who shaped India’s freedom struggle.
