Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas celebrated at Raj Bhavan
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR
Imphal, November 21 2021:
The birth anniversary celebration of legendary tribal leader Bhagawan Birsa Munda is indeed commendable and praiseworthy, said Governor La Ganesan at the celebration of "Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas" commemorating the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda at Banquet Hall of Raj Bhavan on Sunday.
At the event, a pictorial book, on Jagadevram Oraon was also released.
Addressing the gathering as chief guest.
Governor Ganesan said that anniversary of such a legendary leader should be observed in a spectacular manner so that people of far-flung areas of the country may be well aware of it.
He noted Bhagawan Birsa Munda, a revered tribal freedom fighter, popularly known as Dharti Aaba did not live very long but he wrote a complete history for the country and gave direction to the future generations of India.
He fought against the ideology that wanted to erase the identity of the tribal society of India, He was always in favour of modern education, advocated for change and showed courage to speak against the shortcomings of his own society, said Ganesan.
The Governor further said that Birsa Munda demonstrated to the nation how tribals struggled to protect their forests, land rights, their culture and showed their valour and sacrifices, which is vital for nation-building.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the country in Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas celebration by inaugurating a museum in Ranchi in memory of Bhagawan Birsa Munda! A 25 feet tall statue was inaugurated at the Old Central Jail in Ranchi where Munda breathed his last.
In 1989, his portrait was unveiled at the Parliament.
A constructive genius, he made the Munda people unite for their political emancipation and infused in them the spirit of nationalism.
Again in 1998, President of India inaugurated 14 feet tall statue of Munda outside the Parliament House building.
"People of India should take inspiration from the legacy of Bhagawan Birsa Munda to design policies of governance, to take the administration effectively to common man, to secure the identity and life of people without compromising on the sovereignty of the country," remarked Ganesan.
He also asserted that the most glaring fact of these movements and struggles was that the British rule was never welcomed in any janjati of the country.
The janjati tribes were never absolutely isolated from regions and people of the country.
Every group, however, small it may be is celebrating their life style with flavour and feelings.
Our country has this great tradition of celebration of diversity.
Let us pledge to restore the glory of our heritage and meet the challenges of modern world.
Birsa Munda was born on November 15, 1875 and died in jail on June 9, 1900.His life was of 25 years only but he left behind a legacy that is of enormous significance for generations.
The Governor also urged the Kalyan Ashram to take forward the lessons from the life history of Birsa Munda to each and every citizen of the country.
The celebration should be organised either by the government or organisations in all the states of the country so that they are aware about the great sacrifices of Birsa Munda.
The celebration was attended by MU vice chancellor Professor Naorem Lokendro Singh, DM University vice chancellor professor, N Rajmuhon Singh, and Tingkao Raagwang Chapriak Phom (Assam, Manipur & Nagaland) general secretary Chaoba Kamson as guests of honour while Akhil Bharatiya Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram vice president HK Nagu was the main speaker.
As part of the celebration, Kom, Chiru and Tarao folksongs were presented alongwith indigenous musical instrument.
The celebration was organised by Kalyan Ashram Manipur.