Janjatiya Gaurav Divas is celebrated annually on 15th November to honor the contributions and sacrifices of India’s tribal communities, particularly in the freedom struggle. This day also marks the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, a prominent tribal leader and freedom fighter. The Prime Minister of India released a commemorative coin and postal stamp in honor of Birsa Munda, paying tribute to his legacy.

WHAT IS JANJATIYA GAURAV DIVAS?

  • Background: The day was first celebrated in 2021 as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, marking 75 years of India’s independence. It was introduced to recognize the significant contributions of tribal freedom fighters.
  • Tribal Movements: Various tribal communities such as the Santhals, Tamars, Bhils, Khasis, and Mizos led anti-colonial movements like Birsa Munda’s Ulgulan (Revolution), showing remarkable courage and sacrifice.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

  • PM-JANMAN:
    • The Prime Minister inaugurated 11,000 houses under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN), which aims to improve the living conditions of tribal people.
  • Mobile Healthcare Units:
    • 23 Mobile Medical Units (MMUs) were launched to provide healthcare to remote tribal areas. Additionally, another 30 MMUs were inaugurated under the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA).
  • Tribal Entrepreneurship & Education:
    • The Prime Minister inaugurated 300 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs), which aim to support tribal entrepreneurship.
    • He also inaugurated 10 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) for tribal students and laid the foundation for 25 more EMRS.
  • Cultural Preservation:
    • Two Tribal Freedom Fighters' Museums were inaugurated in Chhindwara and Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh).
    • Two Tribal Research Institutes were inaugurated in Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir) and Gangtok (Sikkim) to preserve tribal culture and history.

WHO WAS BIRSA MUNDA?

  • Early Life:
    • Born on 15th November 1875 in the Chota Nagpur Plateau (now in Jharkhand), Birsa Munda belonged to the Munda tribe. His early life was marked by moving between villages, which exposed him to the hardships faced by tribal communities.
  • Founder of the Birsait Sect:
    • Birsa Munda founded the Birsait sect to revive tribal identity and resist efforts by British authorities and missionaries to convert tribal populations.
    • He gathered followers, especially from the Munda and Oraon communities, to resist colonial rule and missionary influence.
  • Ulgulan (The Great Tumult):
    • In 1899, Birsa led the Ulgulan movement, using guerrilla tactics to challenge British colonialism and promote the creation of a tribal self-governed state known as "Birsa Raj".
  • Arrest and Legacy:
    • Birsa was arrested in 1900 and died under mysterious circumstances in Ranchi jail on 9th June 1900, at the age of 25.
    • His efforts led to the introduction of laws protecting tribal land rights. The state of Jharkhand was established on his birth anniversary in 2000, honoring his contributions to tribal rights and the freedom movement.
  • Sardari Agitation:
    • The Sardari Agitation (1858-90) was a tribal resistance movement against socio-economic exploitation, including forced labor and illegal rent hikes in Chotanagpur. It was led by the Sardars, who were tribal leaders resisting British and local oppressive practices.