Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has described Bhagwan Birsa Munda as an ideology rather than merely a historical figure, highlighting his contribution to India’s freedom struggle and the protection of tribal rights on the occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas on November 15.
In a special message on Tribal Pride, the Chief Minister said November 15 represents self-respect, courage and patriotism, not only for tribal communities but for the entire nation. On the birth anniversary of Dharti Aaba Bhagwan Birsa Munda, he paid tribute to tribal heroes on behalf of the people of Madhya Pradesh.
Yadav said Birsa Munda launched the Ulgulan movement at a young age against British oppression and the exploitative system. His struggle for the rights of tribal communities over water, forests and land strengthened the foundations of India’s freedom movement and continues to inspire people to protect their rights and serve the nation.
Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s Contribution to Tribal Rights and Freedom Struggle
Remembering Birsa Munda’s legacy, the Chief Minister said his struggle was not limited to opposing British rule but also focused on protecting the identity, rights and traditional resources of tribal communities.
He emphasised that Birsa Munda’s ideals continue to inspire efforts towards safeguarding tribal culture, heritage and self-respect.
According to Yadav, Madhya Pradesh has a special connection with tribal culture and pride, as it has the largest tribal population among Indian states. Therefore, celebrating Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary is not merely a formal occasion but an opportunity to reaffirm the commitment to improving the lives of tribal communities.
November 15 Observed as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas
The Chief Minister credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi with taking the historic initiative to observe November 15 as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas in recognition of Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s contribution and the sacrifices of tribal freedom fighters.
He said Madhya Pradesh had the privilege of being among the leading states associated with this historic initiative.
Yadav added that the state government’s vision of comprehensive development would remain incomplete without the social and economic empowerment of tribal communities. He said the government is implementing several initiatives to improve their living standards and create opportunities for development.
PESA Act Empowers Tribal Gram Sabhas in Madhya Pradesh
Highlighting the state government’s initiatives, Yadav said Madhya Pradesh has implemented the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, commonly known as the PESA Act, to strengthen the decision-making powers of tribal communities.
Under the initiative, Gram Sabhas in scheduled areas have been empowered to manage local resources and take decisions concerning water, forests and land.
The Chief Minister said the objective is to make tribal communities more self-reliant and ensure their participation in decisions affecting their traditional resources and livelihoods.
Eklavya Schools and Sickle Cell Anaemia Campaign for Tribal Welfare
The state government is also developing a network of Eklavya Model Residential Schools to provide quality education to students in tribal areas.
Yadav highlighted the government’s efforts to address serious health challenges, particularly sickle cell anaemia, among tribal communities.
He said special campaigns are being conducted to identify and treat the disease. Under these initiatives, lakhs of tribal people have undergone health screening and received medical assistance.
Self-Employment Schemes to Support Tribal Youth
The Chief Minister also highlighted employment and economic empowerment initiatives aimed at helping tribal youth become self-reliant.
He mentioned two key schemes:
- Bhagwan Birsa Munda Self-Employment Scheme: Provides financial assistance and support to tribal beneficiaries to promote self-employment.
- Tantya Mama Economic Welfare Scheme: Aims to support the economic development of tribal communities by providing financial assistance and training opportunities.
According to Yadav, these initiatives are intended to encourage entrepreneurship, improve livelihood opportunities and strengthen the economic position of tribal youth.
Madhya Pradesh Preserving the Legacy of Tribal Freedom Fighters
The Chief Minister said the state government is also working to preserve tribal history and cultural heritage through memorials and museums dedicated to prominent tribal personalities.
He highlighted the contributions and sacrifices of several tribal freedom fighters and historical figures, including:
- Tantya Bhil
- Bhima Nayak
- Raja Shankar Shah
- Kunwar Raghunath Shah
- Rani Durgavati
These memorials and museums aim to bring the contributions of these personalities to the attention of the public and preserve their legacy for future generations.
CM Mohan Yadav Calls for Protection of Tribal Rights and Heritage
Concluding his message on Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, Yadav called upon people to collectively work towards protecting the dignity, cultural heritage and rights of tribal communities.
He said the government’s foremost objective is to realise the vision of a prosperous, self-reliant and self-respecting society that Bhagwan Birsa Munda had envisioned.
The Chief Minister ended his message with the slogans, “Jai Hind, Jai Madhya Pradesh and Jai Johar.”
The author is the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh.
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