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Key Points

Prime Minister Narendra Modi honored Bhagwan Birsa Munda on his 125th death anniversary, recognizing the tribal leader's extraordinary resistance against British colonial rule. Birsa Munda, known as 'Dharti Aaba' or 'Father of the Earth', united Adivasi communities and fought against exploitation despite limited formal education. His legacy continues to inspire generations of Indians by highlighting the crucial contributions of tribal communities to national liberation. The Modi government has been actively working to recognize and celebrate indigenous heroes who were historically marginalized in mainstream narratives.

Key Points: Modi Honors Birsa Munda Tribal Hero on Sacrifice Day

  • Tribal leader fought British colonial rule with remarkable courage
  • Pioneered Indigenous rights movement in late 19th century
  • Died at 25 but left enduring legacy of resistance
  • Modi commemorates his historical significance
2 min read

His sacrifice always inspires countrymen: PM Modi on Birsa Munda's death anniversary

PM pays tribute to Bhagwan Birsa Munda, iconic tribal freedom fighter who battled British colonial oppression and inspired Indigenous resistance

"His sacrifice and dedication will always inspire the countrymen - PM Narendra Modi"

New Delhi, June 9

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday paid tributes to legendary tribal leader and freedom fighter Bhagwan Birsa Munda on his 125th death anniversary, also known as 'Balidan Diwas', calling his life a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and commitment to tribal welfare and national pride.

Taking to X, the Prime Minister wrote: "Respectful tribute to the great hero of the freedom struggle Bhagwan Birsa Munda ji on his Balidan Diwas. He dedicated his life to the welfare of the tribal brothers and sisters and to protecting their rights. His sacrifice and dedication will always inspire the countrymen."

Birsa Munda, born on November 15, 1875, in Ulihatu village -- now in Jharkhand -- emerged as a formidable force against British colonial rule in the late 19th century.

Despite having limited formal education, he united Adivasi communities against exploitation by British officials, landlords, and missionaries and led a socio-religious movement to assert tribal identity and rights.

Known as 'Dharti Aaba' or the 'Father of the Earth' by tribal communities, Birsa Munda laid down his life for the cause of Indigenous empowerment and resistance to colonial oppression.

He died at the young age of 25 in British custody but left behind a legacy of resistance that continues to inspire tribal and non-tribal Indians alike.

On November 15, 2024, PM Modi had launched the 150th birth anniversary year of Birsa Munda on Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, visiting Jamui in Bihar where he also unveiled development projects worth over Rs 6,640 crore.

During the event, he released a commemorative coin and postage stamp in honour of the iconic tribal leader.

Speaking then, PM Modi underlined the importance of honouring Birsa Munda's contributions, which had been "ignored for decades after Independence", and said the celebrations were a sincere attempt to bring long-overdue recognition to tribal history and heroism.

The Modi government had declared November 15 as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas to honour tribal freedom fighters and their contributions to the country's independence and identity.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Birsa Munda's story gives me goosebumps every time! At just 25, he achieved what many couldn't in a lifetime. His fight for tribal rights was way ahead of its time. Proud that our PM is honoring such unsung heroes 🙏 #RealHero
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Priya M.
While I appreciate the recognition, I wish our history textbooks gave more space to tribal freedom fighters like Birsa Munda. Our children should grow up knowing these stories as much as they know about Gandhi or Nehru. Better late than never though!
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Arjun S.
Dharti Aaba's legacy is truly inspiring! But we must ask - are tribal communities today getting the respect and opportunities they deserve? Honoring icons is good, but implementing their vision is better. Let's make sure this isn't just symbolic.
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Sunita P.
My grandfather used to tell me stories about Birsa Munda when I was a child. He was from Jharkhand and said how Munda's movement gave hope to ordinary villagers. So happy to see national recognition for our tribal heroes! ❤️
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Vikram J.
The British feared Birsa Munda more than many mainstream leaders - that says something about his impact! His Ulgulan movement was India's first organized tribal resistance. More power to initiatives that bring such figures into mainstream discourse.
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Neha T.
While the tribute is good, I hope the government matches this with concrete action - better healthcare, education and land rights for tribal communities. That would be the real tribute to Birsa Munda's vision. The commemorative coin is nice, but what about policies?

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