Siliguri, 15th November: November 15 was celebrated as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas or Tribal Pride Day to honour tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda across the country. On the occassion, Darjeeling MP Raju Bista joined the celebrations at Fulbari Tea Estate, Khal Line under Kharibari-Buraganj Mandal.
Later, through a press release, the MP urged the citizens to remember and recognise the efforts of Veer Birsa Munda and India’s tribal people to the nation-building and profess to ensure their upliftment. He further maintained that the government of India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has increased the allocated budget under Tribal sub-plan from Rs 25000 crores in 2013-14 to nearly Rs 90000 crores in 2022-23; making it an increase of 360% in the past eight years.
The press release of the Office of Raju Bista stated:
“Today on the auspicious occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, and the 147th birth anniversary of Dharti Aba Bir Birsa Munda ji, I paid my deepest respects to the great freedom fighter, and joined the celebrations at Fulbari Tea Estate, Khal Line under Kharibari-Buraganj Mandal.
Born on November 15, 1875, in Ulihatu village in present-day Jharkhand, Bhagwan Birsa Munda ji was one of the tallest freedom fighters from Eastern India. He was the first to speak against British atrocities against tribal communities and raise the voice of protest against the British destroying the Adivasi society and their culture, through religious conversions.
He was only 25-years old when he was killed by the British on June 9, 1900. Despite being so young, he was fearless and had a vision for the welfare of Adivasi community. He wanted to educate the Adivasi society, and make them conscious of their glorious history and heritage. It was because of his sacrifice that the British were forced to introduce the law preventing transfer of tribal land to non-tribal. It was because of him, our tribal communities have today continued to live with dignity, their rights, and their land intact. Even 122 years after his demise, Bhagwan Birsa Munda continues to inspire us with his bravery, patriotism, valour, and selflessness.
However, for decades his contribution and contribution of our Tribal communities in the Freedom Movement was not recognised. It was our visionary Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi ji, who finally honoured them by celebrating Nov 15th the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda as the “Janjatiya Gaurav Divas”. The budget allocation under Tribal sub-plan has increased substantially from Rs 25000 crores in 2013-14 to nearly Rs 90000 crores in 2022-23. An increase of 360% in the past eight years, under Modi ji. “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas” is not just a catch phrase, but it is the core philosophy of Modi ji, and with this philosophy I too am working to ensure the development of our region and all the people who live here, especially those who are marginalised socially, economically and politically. I have today committed to construct a statue of Bhagwan Birsa Munda ji and dedicate it to the people from our region.
On this “Janjatiya Gaurav Divas”, let us remember and recognise the efforts of Bhagwan Birsa Munda and India’s tribal people to our nation building, and let us avow to ensure their upliftment in true senses.”