New Delhi, Nov 14 (IANS): On the eve of the 151st birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda and Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, a Deepotsav and tribute ceremony was organised on Saturday at Baansera Park, Sarai Kale Khan, by the Delhi government, an official said. Delhi Cabinet Minister for Social Welfare and SC/ST/OBC Welfare Ravinder Indraj Singh paid floral tributes to Bhagwan Birsa Munda and lit the ceremonial lamp, commemorating his supreme sacrifice, struggle and invaluable contribution to the nation. Addressing the gathering, Ravinder Indraj Singh said that it was a matter of great privilege for the people of independent India to be born in a free nation and celebrate the birth anniversary of a great personality like Bhagwan Birsa Munda. This privilege, he added, has become even more meaningful under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Prime Minister has undertaken the historic task of according due honour and national recognition to those great personalities who sacrificed everything for the nation, its values and society, he said. The Minister said that Bhagwan Birsa Munda was not merely a freedom fighter but also an iconic symbol of the rights, self-respect and identity of the tribal community.
At the young age of just 25, he laid down his life while fighting against British rule for the country’s freedom and the rights of tribal communities. Alongside championing the rights of the exploited, deprived and underprivileged sections, he awakened a spirit of social harmony and self-respect. His life continues to inspire today’s youth with the values of patriotism, courage, struggle and social responsibility. Ravinder Indraj Singh further stated that the decision taken in 2021, under the leadership of PM Modi, to observe November 15 as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas was a historic step towards recognising the history and contribution of tribal communities at the national level. To commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, 2024–25 was observed as Janjatiya Gaurav Year, during which extensive programmes were organised across the country.
Today, Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas has evolved into a nationwide initiative celebrating the rich culture, traditions, valour and contribution of tribal communities to nation-building, he said. Referring to the programme organised in Delhi, the Minister said that Delhi represents the collective soul and cultural consciousness of the entire nation. A large number of people from tribal communities also reside in the national capital, and their rich culture and traditions further enrich its diversity. Last year, a grand programme dedicated to the tribal community was organised in Delhi, which brought special recognition to the community’s glorious presence and rich cultural heritage in the national capital, he said. He said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, the Delhi government is committed not only to its vision of a developed Delhi but also to preserving the country’s culture and traditions and honouring its great national icons.
