Government reaches out to STs, Janjatiya Gaurav Divas on Nov 15

New Delhi, November 10

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved November 15 as “Janjatiya Gaurav Divas” in memory of tribal freedom fighters. November 15 is the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda (1875-1900), the Santhal hero who spearheaded a movement in the Bengal Presidency (now Jharkhand) in the late 19th century.

“Bhagwan Birsa Munda was a freedom fighter and social reformer. It has been decided to declare November 15, the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Munda, as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas,” Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur said. Underlining that Munda had fought the British, the minister said members of the Scheduled Tribes had played “a significant role” in India’s freedom struggle. The government plans to hold week-long programmes beginning November 15 to commemorate the history of the Scheduled Tribes, their culture and achievements. The PM will address a rally at Jamboori Maidan, Bhopal, on November 15. Tribals constitute 21 per cent of the population in Madhya Pradesh.

A museum dedicated to Munda in Jharkhand’s capital Ranchi is almost complete. It is being built in the jail complex where Munda breathed his last. A statue of Munda has been installed in the room where he was kept a prisoner. The complex has a replica of Ulihatu village where Munda was born. — TNS