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VP Radhakrishnan Visits Birsa Munda's Village, Honors Tribal Icon's Legacy

Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan visited Ulihatu, the ancestral village of tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda, to pay homage and interact with his descendants. He described the visit as deeply moving, stating that Munda's sacrifices gave new direction to India's freedom struggle. The Vice President highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to declare Birsa Munda's birth anniversary as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas. He also underscored government initiatives like the PM-JANMAN scheme for the empowerment of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups.

Key Points: VP Pays Tribute to Birsa Munda at Ancestral Village in Jharkhand

  • VP paid floral tribute at Birsa Munda's statue
  • Interacted with Munda's descendants and local villagers
  • Highlighted PM's declaration of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas
  • Mentioned government's PM-JANMAN scheme for tribal welfare
2 min read

Vice President visits Birsa Munda's village in Jharkhand; pays tribute, meets descendants

Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan visited Ulihatu, paid homage to Birsa Munda, met his descendants, and highlighted tribal welfare initiatives.

"Birsa Munda's life continues to inspire the youth of the nation - Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan"

Ranchi, March 28

Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Saturday visited Ulihatu, the ancestral village of tribal icon Birsa Munda, in Jharkhand's Khunti district, and paid homage to his memory.

He offered floral tributes at the statue of Birsa Munda and later interacted with his descendants and family members.

Describing the visit as deeply moving, the Vice President said Birsa Munda's life continues to inspire the youth of the nation and that his sacrifices gave a new direction to India's freedom struggle. He noted that this was his first visit to the revered birthplace of 'Dharti Aaba' since assuming office.

Recalling his earlier visit to Ulihatu during his tenure as Jharkhand Governor, he termed the experience significant and reaffirmed that Birsa Munda's legacy would continue to guide future generations.

He highlighted the decision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to declare November 15, Birsa Munda's birth anniversary, as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas in 2021, calling it a step towards enhancing national awareness of tribal heritage.

Referring to initiatives for tribal welfare, the Vice President mentioned the PM-JANMAN scheme aimed at the protection and empowerment of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), underscoring the government's focus on inclusive development.

He stressed that greater awareness of the contributions and struggles of tribal freedom fighters is essential during the 'Amrit Kaal', as it reflects the realisation of the rights and dignity for which Birsa Munda fought.

During the visit, the Vice President also interacted with local villagers and was accorded a traditional 'Johar' welcome. Enthusiastic crowds gathered in Ulihatu and nearby areas to greet him.

Elaborate security arrangements were in place throughout the visit. Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh, Jharkhand Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar, and state minister Irfan Ansari were also present on the occasion.

In a short life of only 25 years, Birsa Munda became the hero of people's resistance against British colonial exploitation. When the British authorities and local landlords were exploiting tribal communities, grabbing their lands and committing atrocities, Munda rose against this social and economic injustice and led people to fight for their rights.

Known as "Dharti Aba" ("Father of the Earth"), Bhagwan Birsa organised the "Ulgulan" or the Munda Rebellion against British oppression in the late 1890s.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who has studied Indian history, it's heartening to see tribal heroes getting their due recognition. Declaring his birth anniversary as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas is a significant step. We need more such initiatives to bring these stories into the mainstream.
R
Rohit P
Respect to Dharti Aaba! His life is the ultimate inspiration. Sacrificed everything by 25. While the visit and speeches are good, I hope the PM-JANMAN scheme and other welfare measures actually reach the grassroots in places like Khunti. Real tribute is in ensuring their development.
P
Priyanka N
It's important that such visits are not just photo-ops. Meeting the descendants is a nice touch, but what concrete steps are being taken to improve the lives of the tribal communities in that region? The gap between announcements and ground reality is often wide.
M
Michael C
The 'Johar' welcome must have been a beautiful cultural moment. These traditions are so rich. More than just political visits, we need to document and preserve the languages, art, and history of tribal communities like the Mundas. They are the soul of India's diversity.
K
Karthik V
Birsa Munda's rebellion, the Ulgulan, is a chapter of immense courage. At a time when our history books were dominated by certain narratives, heroes like him were sidelined. Good to see this correction happening. Let's make sure our children learn about all freedom fighters.

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