JABALPUR: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav inaugurated Tribal Pride Week (Janjatiya Gaurav Saptah) in Jabalpur on November 14, 2026, to mark the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, the legendary tribal freedom fighter and community leader.
Addressing a state-level programme at Garrison Ground in Jabalpur, the Chief Minister paid tribute to Birsa Munda and highlighted his contribution to the country’s freedom struggle, tribal rights and cultural preservation.
On the occasion, CM Mohan Yadav inaugurated and performed the bhoomi pujan (foundation-laying ceremony) for development projects worth Rs 133.05 crore in Jabalpur. He also distributed benefits under various government welfare schemes and honoured tribal personalities who have made outstanding contributions in different fields.
The Chief Minister said the sacrifice and ideals of Bhagwan Birsa Munda would continue to inspire generations of Indians. He emphasised that self-respect was the greatest wealth and culture was the most valuable heritage.
Birsa Munda’s Sacrifice and Ideals Will Inspire Generations: CM Mohan Yadav
Remembering Bhagwan Birsa Munda on his birth anniversary, CM Mohan Yadav said that the freedom fighter had given extraordinary importance to patriotism, faith, self-respect and discipline despite living only 25 years.
He said Birsa Munda raised his voice against British rule and fought for the protection of his motherland, tribal identity, culture and community rights.
The Chief Minister highlighted that Birsa Munda encouraged tribal communities to remain aware of their identity and organise themselves to protect their cultural heritage.
He added that tribal heroes had made significant contributions to preserving India’s ancient culture and traditions. Their struggles against injustice and exploitation during colonial rule remain an important part of the country’s history.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts, Yadav said initiatives had been undertaken to recognise the sacrifices and contributions of India’s tribal freedom fighters and bring their legacy to future generations.
Madhya Pradesh Government Promoting the Legacy of Tribal Heroes
CM Mohan Yadav said Madhya Pradesh was home to several tribal communities, and the state government was working to ensure development across all regions, with special attention to identified tribal areas.
He said the overall development of tribal regions remained one of the government’s highest priorities.
The Chief Minister also announced that tribal areas would receive the benefits of the Mukhyamantri Sugam Parivahan Bus Service, improving transportation facilities for residents.
He added that the government was promoting animal husbandry and dairy farming to increase farmers’ income and strengthen rural livelihoods.
Yadav called upon people to organise Tribal Pride Day celebrations at the development block level as well, ensuring wider participation in programmes honouring tribal heritage.
Tribal Regions to Remain a Priority for Development
CM Mohan Yadav said the overall development of identified tribal regions remained a top priority for the Madhya Pradesh government.
He stated that development initiatives were being implemented across different regions to improve infrastructure and provide better opportunities to tribal communities.
The Chief Minister also announced that the Mukhyamantri Sugam Parivahan Bus Service would be extended to tribal areas to improve transportation facilities.
He highlighted efforts to increase farmers’ incomes by promoting dairy farming and animal husbandry. He also encouraged the celebration of Tribal Pride Day programmes at the block level to ensure wider participation.
Sandipani Schools to Be Established in Chhindwara, Dindori and Balaghat
The Chief Minister announced that three new Sandipani Schools would be established in Chhindwara, Dindori and Balaghat districts at a total cost of Rs 85 crore.
These schools will be equipped with modern facilities and are intended to provide quality education to students, particularly those from underserved regions.
Yadav said the government had established Sandipani Schools as a symbol of the friendship between Lord Krishna and Sudama, with a focus on providing modern educational facilities.
He also highlighted other education and healthcare initiatives in the Mahakoshal region:
- An Ayurvedic college is being developed in Dindori.
- A medical college is being established in Mandla.
- Hostel and school infrastructure projects worth approximately Rs 133 crore have been provided for Jabalpur on the occasion of Tribal Pride Day.
The Chief Minister said these initiatives would help tribal youth pursue education and contribute to the development of the state.
Rs 98 Crore Development Works Under PM JANMAN and Rs 401.56 Crore Under Dharti Aaba Initiative
Highlighting the government’s efforts towards tribal welfare, CM Mohan Yadav referred to development projects being implemented under central government initiatives.
He stated that development works worth Rs 98 crore had been undertaken under the PM JANMAN scheme for the welfare of tribal communities.
Additionally, projects worth Rs 401.56 crore had been inaugurated and had their foundation stones laid under the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan.
The Chief Minister said these initiatives would accelerate development in tribal-dominated areas and improve access to essential facilities.
Rani Durgavati Shri Anna Yojana and Farmer Welfare Initiatives
The Chief Minister also highlighted initiatives aimed at improving agricultural livelihoods and supporting farmers in Madhya Pradesh.
He said irrigation coverage was being expanded in Jabalpur, Balaghat and other districts of the Mahakoshal region through the use of Narmada River water.
The government has also launched the Rani Durgavati Shri Anna Yojana to encourage the cultivation and promotion of millets.
He further mentioned that women beneficiaries were receiving monthly financial assistance under the Ladli Behna Yojana, while farmers were benefiting from the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme.
According to the Chief Minister, these initiatives are intended to strengthen rural livelihoods and improve the economic condition of farming families.
Union Minister Highlights Three Key Lessons from Birsa Munda’s Life
Union Minister of State Smt. Sampatiya Uikey highlighted the contribution of Bhagwan Birsa Munda in raising awareness among tribal communities.
She said Birsa Munda worked against social evils such as superstition and substance abuse while promoting education and spreading the message of self-rule.
She outlined three important lessons from his life:
- Pride in culture and heritage: Birsa Munda encouraged tribal communities to take pride in their cultural identity and traditions.
- Awareness of rights: He inspired people to remain aware of their rights and stand against injustice.
- Self-respect and self-reliance: He promoted an independent and self-reliant way of life based on dignity and confidence.
She also said that since 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had introduced several initiatives to honour tribal freedom fighters and connect tribal communities with mainstream development.
Tribal Achievers Honoured for Contributions in Education, Sports and Culture
During the programme, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav honoured members of tribal communities who have achieved excellence in different fields, including education, sports, art, literature, disability empowerment and social service.
The awardees included:
- Ujiyaro Bai: Recognised for her contribution to water conservation.
- Purnima Pusre: Honoured for her participation in a Hyderabad art exhibition.
- Pooja Dhurve: Recognised for securing eighth position in the state’s Class 10 board examination.
- Jamna Uikey: Honoured for her achievements as an international para-athlete.
- Draupadi Dhurve: Recognised for her remarkable achievement of writing with her feet.
- Ram Kishore Sirsam: A PhD scholar whose name has been entered in the India Book of Records.
- Himanshu Parte: Honoured for winning a gold medal in volleyball.
- Dr T. R. Barkade: Recognised for his contribution to Gondwana folk literature.
The Chief Minister presented shields to the achievers in recognition of their contributions and achievements.
CM Mohan Yadav Participates in Tribal Cultural Traditions
The programme also showcased the rich cultural heritage and traditions of tribal communities.
CM Mohan Yadav was honoured with a traditional turban (safa) and presented with a bow and arrow.
He also wore traditional tribal attire and played a traditional drum during the ceremony, expressing respect for tribal culture, customs and folk art.
The Chief Minister also honoured tribal religious leaders and felicitated them for their contributions to society.
The programme was attended by Tribal Affairs Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah, Public Health Engineering Minister Sampatiya Uikey, Jabalpur MP Ashish Dubey and a large number of members of tribal communities.
Tribal Pride Week to Highlight the History and Contributions of Tribal Heroes
The launch of Tribal Pride Week in Jabalpur marks the beginning of week-long programmes aimed at honouring tribal freedom fighters and introducing younger generations to their history, sacrifices and cultural heritage.
The Madhya Pradesh government aims to highlight the contributions of tribal leaders in India’s freedom struggle and the preservation of the country’s cultural identity.
Through development projects, educational initiatives, welfare schemes and recognition of tribal achievers, the state government is also focusing on improving opportunities and infrastructure in tribal regions.
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