India’s rich cultural diversity owes much to its tribal communities, who have played a crucial role in shaping the nation’s history. On November 15th, Janjatiya Gaurav Divas was celebrated to honor the contributions of these communities, particularly their role in India’s freedom struggle. The day marked the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, a tribal leader and freedom fighter whose legacy continues to inspire the nation.
Remembering Bhagwan Birsa Munda
Birsa Munda, revered as a hero by tribal communities, led the Ulgulan (Revolution) against British colonial rule in the late 19th century. His leadership and sacrifices were pivotal in challenging the British Empire and inspiring other tribal communities to rise against oppression. The day served as a tribute to his vision of tribal unity, freedom, and cultural pride.
Janjatiya Gaurav Divas 2024: A Special Celebration
In 2024, the celebrations held special significance as the nation marked the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. On November 13th, a special event was held in Jashpur, Chhattisgarh, where Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya led the ‘Maati Ke Veer’ Padayatra, a foot march in honor of Birsa Munda. On November 15th, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commemorated the day in Jamui, Bihar, where he unveiled a commemorative coin and postal stamp and inaugurated development projects worth over ₹6,640 crore aimed at uplifting tribal communities.
Key Development Projects for Tribal Welfare
The government launched a series of development initiatives aimed at improving the lives of tribal people. Some key projects included:
- Housing and Healthcare: Prime Minister Modi inaugurated 11,000 houses under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) and 23 Mobile Medical Units to improve healthcare access in tribal areas.
- Education and Skill Development: The inauguration of 300 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) and new Eklavya Model Residential Schools provided quality education and skills to tribal youth, ensuring their integration into mainstream society.
- Cultural Preservation: Two Tribal Freedom Fighters' Museums and two Tribal Research Institutes were opened to preserve and promote the history and culture of tribal communities.
Schemes to Empower Tribal Communities
Alongside Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, the Indian government continued to roll out several welfare schemes for the socio-economic development of tribal communities:
- Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN): This scheme focused on empowering Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) through better access to services like health and education.
- Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS): The government expanded the number of these schools to provide tribal children with access to quality education and brighter futures.
- Financial Support for Tribal Entrepreneurs: Schemes like the Micro Credit Scheme and Adivasi Mahila Sashaktikaran Yojna provided financial assistance to promote entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.
Improving Health Outcomes
The government also launched several health initiatives to address the unique challenges faced by tribal communities, such as the Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission, which aimed to eradicate a disease that disproportionately affects tribal populations.
Honoring Tribal Freedom Fighters
The government sanctioned the establishment of Tribal Freedom Fighters' Museums across India to honor the sacrifices made by tribal freedom fighters during British rule. One such memorial, Mangarh Dham in Rajasthan, was developed as a national tribute to tribal resilience.
Janjatiya Gaurav Divas was not just a celebration of history but a reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to the progress and welfare of tribal communities. Through education, healthcare, infrastructure development, and economic empowerment, India worked to ensure that its tribal communities received the recognition and opportunities they deserved, while preserving their rich cultural heritage for future generations.(PR)