New Delhi/Bhubaneswar: The Centre on Wednesday announced to observe the birth anniversary of tribal leader Birsa Munda on November 15 as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas.
Speaking to the media after Union Cabinet meeting where the proposal in this regard was approved, Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Singh Thakur said November 15 will be dedicated to the memory of tribal freedom fighters so that coming generations could know about their sacrifices for the country.
He said the announcement has been made in recognition of the tribal leader’s contribution to the country’s freedom struggle, particularly among the tribals. Under the leadership of Birsa Munda, the tribals waged a revolution called ‘Ulgulan’, he added.
The government has planned week-long celebrations from November 15 to 22 to commemorate 75 years of the history of the tribals, their culture and achievements. The programmes planned jointly with the state governments will showcase the tribal culture, practices, traditions, cuisines, health and education.
Born on November 15, 1875, he belonged to the Munda tribe in Chhotanagpur Plateau area. He had had organised his first protest march against the British rule for the remission of forest dues when the great famine of 1895 broke out.
It may be noted that India’s largest hockey stadium, which is coming up at Rourkela in Sundargarh district, has been named after Birsa Munda. The stadium is being built to host Men’s FIH Hockey World Cup in 2023.
