Assembly celebrates national pride, tribal culture, environment

The Delhi Legislative Assembly on Monday commemorated the 150th birth anniversary of tribal icon Bhagwan Birsa Munda by hosting 200 youngsters, and 20 paramilitary officers from eight Naxal-affected districts, in an event that brought together themes of national unity, cultural pride and youth empowerment.

Addressing the gathering, Speaker Vijender Gupta called Birsa Munda “a timeless symbol of courage whose legacy continues to guide India’s collective conscience”, urging citizens to renew their commitment to building an inclusive and sustainable nation.

“As we celebrate his 150th birth anniversary, let us reaffirm our resolve to honour diversity, protect the environment, and ensure the poorest find their rightful place in our national journey,” he said.

The visiting youngsters and officers — from Bastar, Kanker, Narayanpur, West Singhbhum, Balaghat, Kandhamal, Kalahandi and Gadchiroli areas — were in Delhi under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports’ Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) initiative.

Many participants shared their experiences of exploring the national capital, engaging with its democratic institutions and learning about governance first-hand. The Speaker said their enthusiasm “embodies the spirit of unity and national service”.

Gupta highlighted Birsa Munda’s historic Ulgulan (rebellion), describing it as a “disciplined movement that blended spiritual awakening with social reform and political resistance”.

He said the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act of 1908 remained a testament to Birsa’s legacy, adding that his message of protecting “jal, jungle, zameen” continues to shape India’s understanding of sustainable progress.

Delhi Cabinet Minister Ashish Sood, as the chief guest at the event, said the presence of the tribal youngsters reflected the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’. Emphasising the value of experiential learning, he said: “Education is complete only when it connects the youth with its roots. NEP-2020 comes alive when students travel, learn and understand the diverse cultural heritage of our nation.”

Sood thanked the Speaker for hosting the delegation, adding that their visit to the Assembly would leave a lasting impression.

Deputy Speaker Mohan Singh Bisht said the initiative symbolised hope and progress for youngsters from challenging regions. He said their visit to the Capital “will inspire them to dream bigger and contribute confidently to the nation’s future”.

The event featured a vibrant cultural programme presented by artistes from the Hindi Academy, showcasing traditional dance forms from Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Madhya Pradesh.

The performances added colour and energy to the celebration — a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the participating regions.