Wednesday, Jun 10, 2026 22:00 [IST]
Last Update: Tuesday, Jun 09, 2026 16:22 [IST]
NEW DELHI, (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on
Tuesday paid homage to tribal freedom fighter and social reformer Birsa Munda
and said that the saga of his supreme sacrifice for the motherland will
continue to inspire a spirit of patriotism in every generation of the country.
Birsa
Munda is revered as one of India's most prominent tribal leaders and freedom
fighters. Born in 1875 in present-day Jharkhand, he led the historic Ulgulan,
or 'Great Tumult', against British colonial rule and the exploitative land
policies imposed on tribal communities.
PM
Modi took to social media 'X' and said, "A million salutations to 'Dharti
Aaba' Bhagwan Birsa Munda on his martyrdom day. He fought against foreign rule
with indomitable courage to protect water, forests, and land."
"His
entire life was dedicated to safeguarding the self-respect, culture, and rights
of the tribal community. The saga of his supreme sacrifice for the motherland
will continue to inspire a spirit of patriotism in every generation of the
country," he said.
Through
his movement, Birsa Munda mobilised thousands of tribal people to fight for
their rights, identity and traditional land ownership. Although his movement
was centred in the Chotanagpur region, Birsa Munda's legacy resonates strongly
across several states, including Assam, which is home to a large tribal
population and a significant number of tea tribe communities whose ancestors
migrated from the Chotanagpur plateau during the colonial era.
Many
members of Assam's tea garden community trace their roots to regions associated
with Birsa Munda's struggle and continue to regard him as a symbol of
resistance, dignity and empowerment. His contributions to the cause of tribal
rights have received increasing recognition in recent years.
The
Union government has designated November 15, Birsa Munda's birth anniversary,
as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas to honour the contributions of tribal freedom
fighters and celebrate India's rich tribal heritage.
Birsa
Munda died in British custody on June 9, 1900, at the age of 25, but his legacy
continues to inspire generations across the country.
