"Fought with indomitable courage against foreign regime": PM Modi pays tribute to freedom fighter Birsa Munda
New Delhi, June 9
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid tribute to tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda, stating that he fought with indomitable courage against the foreign regime for the protection of water, forests, and land.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister further noted that Munda's saga of sacrificing everything for the motherland will continue to inspire patriotism in every generation of the nation.
"On the martyrdom day of 'Dharti Aaba' Bhagwan Birsa Munda Ji, I offer millions of salutations to him. He fought with indomitable courage against the foreign regime for the protection of water, forests, and land. His entire life was dedicated to safeguarding the pride, culture, and rights of tribal society. His saga of sacrificing everything for the motherland will continue to inspire patriotism in every generation of the nation," said PM Modi.
Alongside PM Modi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also paid tribute to the freedom fighter on his death anniversary. The Chief Minister stated that Birsa Munda Ji provided a new direction to India's freedom struggle through his immortal proclamation of 'Ulgulan'.
"On the death anniversary of 'Dharti Aaba' Bhagwan Birsa Munda, who infused new energy into tribal pride against the injustices of British rule and gave a new direction to India's freedom struggle through the immortal proclamation of 'Ulgulan', I offer a hundredfold salutations.Your life, illuminated by sacrifice, austerity, and national devotion, is an eternal inspiration for India," said CM Yogi.
Vice President CP Radhakrishnan also paid tribute to Birsa Munda on his death anniversary. In a post on X, Radhakrishnan stated that Birsa Munda's life symbolised courage, self-respect, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
"On the martyrdom day of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, I pay my respectful tributes to the revered Dharti Aaba, whose life symbolised courage, self-respect and an unwavering commitment to justice....It remains a matter of deep personal reverence that I had the opportunity to pay my respects at his sacred birthplace, Ulihatu, on the very first day of assuming office as Governor of Jharkhand and again recently as Vice President of India. Bhagwan Birsa Munda's sacrifice and ideals continue to guide the nation in its pursuit of social justice, empowerment and inclusive development. His legacy will remain a lasting source of inspiration for generations to come," said CP Radhakrishnan.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also paid tribute to the freedom fighter, stating that Birsa Munda dedicated his entire life to the service and welfare of the nation.
"Fighting for tribal identity against the British, Lord Birsa Munda dedicated his entire life to the welfare of the nation, the rights of our forest-dwelling brothers, and their empowerment. On the martyrdom day of such a great folk hero, I bow to him a million times," said Gadkari.
Birsa Munda, born on November 15, 1875, was a legendary Indian tribal freedom fighter and social reformer who led a powerful movement in the Chota Nagpur Plateau region against British colonial rule and exploitative landlords. Revered as 'Dharti Aaba' (Father of the Earth), he led the 'Ulgulan' (The Great Tumult) uprising between 1899 and 1900 by employing guerrilla warfare against British authorities and oppressive local landlords. Captured twice by the British, he died in captivity under mysterious circumstances in Ranchi Jail on June 9, 1900, at the age of 25.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's good that leaders across party lines are remembering Birsa Munda. But let's not just pay lip service - we need concrete action to protect tribal rights over forests and land, which he fought for. Many adivasi communities still face displacement and exploitation. That's the real tribute.
And at just 25 years old! Can you imagine the courage? Fighting the British with guerrilla tactics in the jungles of Jharkhand. He's a true inspiration for the youth. We should name more institutions and schemes after him to keep his memory alive.
While the tribute is nice, I find it ironic that the same government pushing the Forest Conservation Amendment Bill often undermines tribal rights to forest resources. Birsa Munda's fight was against foreign exploitation, but we must also guard against any internal exploitation today. 🤔
The fact that all prominent leaders - PM, CM, VP, Ministers - are paying tribute shows how unifying Birsa Munda's legacy is. He transcended politics. His struggle for water, forests, and land resonates even today. A true Dharti Aaba indeed!
I didn't know much about Birsa Munda before this. Fascinating to read about his Ulgulan movement and how young he was when he died. India has so many unsung heroes from its tribal communities. The British must have been terrified of him. Respect.
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