Birsa Munda's 151st birth anniversary: Janjatiya Gaurav Divas observed on November 15

Bhadravati: This year marks the 151st birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, who is revered by the entire tribal community and all countrymen. He fought the British all his life. Along with his struggle against those in power, he also raised his voice against religious conversion and the evil practices within tribal society. He worked throughout his life to protect and promote Indian culture.

The Central government has officially announced that his birthday, November 15, will be observed as 'Janjatiya Gaurav Divas'. This will bring the contribution of tribal revolutionaries to society. Tribal warriors played an important role in India's freedom struggle, but this history remains neglected and absent from the classroom. The history written by the British carried notions of division, separation, casteism and class distinction, and its effect on the social order lasted for years. For this reason, the glorious history of the tribal community, which stretches back to ancient times, is still waiting to be recognised.

In the year of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, the week of November 15 to 22 was observed as 'Prerak Saptah - Iconic Week' in memory of tribal freedom fighters and people's heroes. This will let the new generation learn about the tribal revolutionaries who took part in the freedom struggle and were martyred. The tribal community has given the country many brave sons. Jadonang of Manipur, Naga queen Rani Gaidinliu, Punja Bhil of Rajasthan, Alluri Sitarama Raju of Andhra Pradesh, Palassi Raja Thalakkal Chandu of Kerala, Tilka Manjhi and Budhu Bhagat of Jharkhand, the Gond kings Shankar Shah and Raghunath Shah, and Raghoji Bhangre, Bhagoji Naik, Nagya Katkari and Baburao Shedmake of Maharashtra are among the many names, along with countless unsung heroes, whose stories will reach society through this day. At the Centre's call, Kalyan Ashram is observing Janjatiya Gaurav Divas on November 15 with even greater enthusiasm.

Birsa Munda awakened patriotism among ordinary and genuine tribal brothers. In his 'Ulgulan', or revolution, thousands of ordinary people dedicated their lives at the feet of Bharat Mata. In simple words he told his people, 'Sahib sahib ek topi', meaning that the cap of the British rulers and the cap of the missionaries who carried out conversions were one and the same. He named three enemies: foreign rule, foreign priests, and our own people who exploit us.

The Dombari massacre was also recalled in this context. Four thousand Mundas had gathered there and not one of them had a gun. They were fired upon for three hours and the whole hill was drenched in blood. It has been described as far more horrific than Jallianwala Bagh. The British captured the Dombari hill, yet the people's hero Birsa did not fall into their hands. The episode has not been discussed much in history.

Birsa Munda's life lasted only 25 years. In the precepts of 'Birsayat', he said people should not take intoxicants. He said it was necessary to keep the body and mind pure, dedicated to God, country and faith. He said, "Always keep your home clean and plant a tulsi in the courtyard. Serve the cow and be kind to all living beings. Have reverence for your culture, your faith and your ancestors. Do not forget religion, culture and traditions, because they are the true identity of our society. If you want this change to take root in the mind of society, stay united and do not fight among yourselves."

Ranchi's airport is named after him. The state of Jharkhand was also formed on his birthday. On this basis, it was said that his birth anniversary should be observed across the country as 'Rashtriya Janjatiya Gaurav Divas'.