Shri Sai Pays Tribute to Birsa Munda, Attends Tribal Pride Day Celebrations in Bastar
Raipur. Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai was given a heartfelt welcome by representatives of various tribal communities as he arrived at the City Ground in Jagdalpur to participate in the Tribal Pride Day celebrations marking the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. Chief Minister was honored with a traditional Sihari garland, a turban (safa) and a large gajmala, adding a strong cultural spirit to the occasion.
At the City Ground, Chief Minister offered prayers to Maa Danteshwari and to the portrait of Bhagwan Birsa Munda along with other tribal deities, formally inaugurating the programme. In his address, he said that the Chhattisgarh Government is fully committed to the holistic development of the tribal community.
Recalling the historic national steps taken for tribal upliftment and recognition, Chief Minister said that three major milestones have shaped the course of tribal welfare. He remembered the visionary leadership of former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, under whose tenure the tribal-dominated states of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand were created. He described this as a transformational decision that honored tribal identity and ensured accelerated development. He also highlighted that Shri Vajpayee established a separate Ministry of Tribal Affairs to safeguard tribal rights and promote their development.
Chief Minister expressed heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, who declared Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary as Tribal Pride Day, thereby establishing a national tradition of honoring tribal heroes.
Shri Sai spoke of the revered legacy of Birsa Munda, known as ‘Dharti Aaba’, who led a remarkable uprising against British colonial rule and local exploiters at the end of the 19th century, remembered in history as Ulgulan. Born on 15 November 1875, Birsa Munda began opposing the British administration at a very young age, resisting their attempts to take away tribal land ownership rights such as Khuntkatti, and to impose exorbitant taxes. He was also a major social reformer whose efforts awakened unity, self-respect and pride within the tribal society. Recognizing his contribution, the Government of India has declared 15 November as Tribal Pride Day, observed annually to honor the sacrifices of tribal communities in the freedom struggle.
Chief Minister reiterated that the state government is moving forward with the same resolve and commitment toward the upliftment of the tribal community.
Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap, addressing the gathering, urged the youth and future generations to draw inspiration from the history, sacrifices and social reforms of tribal forefathers. He said that walking in the footsteps of these great personalities and ensuring the preservation and continuous strengthening of tribal culture is the collective responsibility of all.
Jagdalpur MLA Shri Kiran Deo, speaking on the occasion, highlighted the struggles and contributions of Bastar’s tribal heroes such as Shaheed Gundadhur, Debridur and Gendsingh, who fought for India’s freedom and worked tirelessly to protect the forests, land and resources of Bastar. He said that these leaders dedicated their lives to the unity and progress of the tribal community in the region.
The programme was also addressed by Shri Tulu Ram Kashyap, Divisional President of the Tribal Pride Society. Among those present were Bastar MP Shri Mahesh Kashyap, Chitrakote MLA Shri Vinayak Goyal, Jagdalpur Mayor Shri Sanjay Pandey, District Panchayat President Smt. Vedvati Kashyap, IG Shri Sundarraj P, Collector Shri Haris S, Superintendent of Police Shri Shalabh Sinha, CEO District Panchayat Shri Prateek Jain, senior officials and a large number of distinguished members of the tribal community and citizens.
