The 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, revered as a tribal deity and freedom fighter, is being celebrated nationwide under the inspiration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This year has been officially declared as the “Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh” to ensure that younger generations learn about the historical contributions of tribal communities to India’s freedom struggle and nation-building.
Inauguration of Janjatiya Gaurav Yatra in Gujarat
As part of the celebrations, the ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Yatra’ was inaugurated from Ambaji in North Gujarat. Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Shankar Chaudhary, along with Ministers of State Mr. P. C. Baranda, Mr. Kamlesh Patel, Mr. Pravin Mali, and Mr. Swaroopji Thakor, attended the ceremony. The Yatra is being conducted simultaneously from Ambaji and Umargam on the Maharashtra border from November 7 to 13. It will cover 14 tribal districts and several other areas to spread awareness about tribal pride and development initiatives.
Public Engagement and Cultural Programs Along the Yatra Route
Villagers along the Yatra route are warmly welcoming the Janjatiya Gaurav Rath (Tribal Pride Chariot). Overnight halts include cultural programs, exhibitions highlighting Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s life and achievements, and information on central and state government schemes. Service-oriented activities like health camps, Seva Setu initiatives, and community cleanliness drives are being conducted to actively involve the public. Additional events, including painting and elocution competitions, theatrical performances like Bhavai, lectures, and documentary screenings, aim to educate children, youth, and society about the tribal leader’s vision for nation-building.
State-wide and National Celebrations
While the Yatra focuses on 14 tribal districts, programs will also be held across 20 non-tribal districts from November 13 to 15. The national-level celebration of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas will take place on November 15 at Dediapada, in the divine presence of Devmogra Mataji, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi attending.
Vision for Tribal Development and Nation-Building
The state government has emphasized the inclusion of tribal communities in Gujarat’s development agenda, ensuring that even the remotest villages benefit from development programs. Chief Minister Mr. Bhupendra Patel highlighted that the Yatra embodies the mantra of ‘Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi’ promoted by Prime Minister Modi and realizes Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s slogan ‘Aapno Desh, Aapnu Raaj’ through the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat.
