On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commemorated the 150th birth anniversary of tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda in Jamui, Bihar. Addressing a large gathering, PM Modi emphasized his government’s commitment to empowering tribal communities, unveiling welfare projects worth over ₹6,000 crore. The event also marked the launch of significant educational, healthcare, and infrastructure initiatives, alongside the celebration of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas (Tribal Pride Day), an annual recognition established by the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
Recognition of Tribal Contributions
PM Modi underscored the pivotal role of tribal communities in India’s freedom struggle, criticizing previous governments for neglecting their legacy. “The tribals did not get their due despite their enormous contribution. An attempt was made to propagate that one party and one family were solely responsible for India’s freedom. If so, what about the Munda movement, the Santhalia movement, and the Hol revolution? How can we forget their contributions?” he stated.
Highlighting Birsa Munda’s enduring legacy, the PM reaffirmed his government’s efforts to preserve tribal history through museums, research institutes, and cultural programs. He also released commemorative stamps and coins to honor Munda’s contribution.
Historic Welfare Investments for Tribals
In his address, PM Modi announced projects exceeding ₹6,640 crore, targeting education, health, housing, and infrastructure development for tribal communities. This included:
- The inauguration of two Tribal Freedom Fighters’ Museums and two Tribal Research Institutes.
- A budget increase for tribal development, which has risen fivefold from ₹25,000 crore to ₹1,25,000 crore.
The Prime Minister credited the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government for creating the first Tribal Affairs Ministry and introducing a dedicated budget for tribal welfare. “The standard set by the NDA government for tribal development and welfare is different,” he noted.
Acknowledging Tribal Leadership
PM Modi lauded tribal leaders and figures, singling out President Droupadi Murmu, the country’s first tribal woman president. He expressed gratitude to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for his support during Murmu’s presidential candidacy.“She has been behind a lot of tribal welfare schemes since her days as Jharkhand Governor. Earlier governments never cared for tribal upliftment,” he said.
The PM also spoke about the government’s targeted efforts to transform aspirational tribal districts by deploying skilled officers and focusing on improving overall living standards.
Strengthening Tribal Empowerment
Concluding his address, PM Modi reiterated the NDA’s commitment to inclusivity and uplifting marginalized communities. “Modi works for those who were not on anyone’s priority and remained deprived for far too long,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the sacrifices and contributions of tribal communities to India’s history and progress.
A Day to Remember
The event in Jamui served as both a tribute to tribal heroes like Birsa Munda and a reaffirmation of the government’s resolve to promote tribal welfare. The projects launched and the recognition of tribal contributions aim to strengthen the socio-economic foundation of these communities and ensure their rightful place in the narrative of India’s development.
