Dediapada (Gujarat) [India], November 15 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas programme on Saturday, marking the 150th birth anniversary celebration of Dharti Aaba Bhagwan Birsa Munda in Dediapada, Gujarat.
On the occasion, PM Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of various infrastructure and development projects worth over Rs 9,700 crore, according to a release.
Stating that the sacred land of Maa Narmada is witnessing yet another historic occasion, PM Modi recalled that on October 31, the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel was celebrated at the same venue, marking India’s unity and diversity and the initiation of Bharat Parv.
With the grand celebration of the 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, the Prime Minister said the event marks the culmination of Bharat Parv. He paid homage to Birsa Munda and highlighted the blessings of Govind Guru, who awakened the spirit of freedom across the tribal belt in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. He also mentioned visiting the shrine of Devmogra Mata earlier in the day.
Highlighting the cultural influence of Sant Kabir in the Dediapada and Sagbara regions, the Prime Minister noted that as a Member of Parliament from Varanasi, Sant Kabir’s teachings hold special significance for him. He offered respects to Sant Kabir from the dais.
PM Modi said several projects related to national development and tribal welfare were inaugurated or had their foundation stones laid. Under PM-JANMAN and other schemes, one lakh families in the region have been provided permanent houses. A large number of Eklavya Model Schools and Ashram Schools were also inaugurated. The Shri Govind Guru Chair has been established at the Birsa Munda Tribal University, and numerous projects related to health, roads, and transportation have been announced.
Stating that Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary has been commemorated as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas since 2021, PM Modi said tribal pride has been deeply rooted in India’s consciousness for centuries. He emphasized that tribal communities have always stood at the forefront whenever the nation’s honor, self-respect, or freedom was at stake.
He cited examples of tribal icons and freedom fighters, including Tilka Manjhi, Rani Gaidinliu, Sidho-Kanho, Bhairav Murmu, Buddhu Bhagat, Alluri Sitarama Raju, Tantya Bhil, Veer Narayan Singh, Telanga Khadia, Rupchand Konwar, and Laxman Nayak. He noted that countless revolts led by tribal communities played a crucial role in India’s freedom movement.
PM Modi mentioned valiant tribal leaders from Gujarat, including Govind Guru, Raja Roopsingh Nayak, Motilal Tejawat, and Dashriben Chaudhary, noting their significant contributions.
Emphasizing the need to preserve tribal heritage, the Prime Minister said several tribal museums are being established across the country. A large tribal museum is under construction in Rajpipla, Gujarat. He also inaugurated the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Tribal Museum in Chhattisgarh recently, and the jail where Birsa Munda was imprisoned in Ranchi is being developed into a tribal museum.
Announcing the establishment of the Govind Guru Chair for the Tribal Language Promotion Centre, PM Modi said the center will study tribal dialects such as Bhil, Gamit, Vasava, Garasia, Konkani, Santhal, Rathwa, Nayak, Dabla, Chaudhary, Kokna, Kumbhi, Warli, and Dodia. Stories and songs associated with these communities will also be preserved.
The Prime Minister highlighted the rich traditional knowledge held by tribal communities, noting that their way of life reflects science, philosophy, and environmental understanding. He said the Shri Govind Guru Chair will help connect future generations with this heritage.
PM Modi reiterated that Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas also reminds the nation of the historical injustices faced by tribal communities. He criticized the party that ruled for six decades, saying tribal regions suffered from malnutrition, lack of healthcare, poor education, and inadequate connectivity. He stated that his party has always placed tribal welfare at the highest priority.
He noted that under Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s leadership, a separate ministry for tribal affairs was created, but it remained neglected under the succeeding government. He highlighted that the budget for the Ministry of Tribal Affairs has increased significantly under the present administration.
Reflecting on his tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat, PM Modi said tribal areas once had no science schools, and higher education opportunities were limited. He recalled launching the Kanya Kelavani Mahotsav from Dediapada and encouraging children to pursue their aspirations.
He said Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas honors the traditions of tribal communities while reflecting their aspirations for future generations. He called for collective efforts to move forward with strength rooted in Indian values.
Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, and several other dignitaries were present at the event.
During the programme, the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for several projects aimed at uplifting tribal communities and improving rural and remote infrastructure.
He participated in the Grih Pravesh of 100,000 houses built under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) and the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DA-JAGUA).
The Prime Minister inaugurated 42 Eklavya Model Residential Schools worth around Rs 1,900 crore, 228 Multi-Purpose Centres for community-led activities, a Centre of Competence at Assam Medical College in Dibrugarh, and the Tribal Research Institute building in Imphal, Manipur. He also flagged off 250 buses for 14 tribal districts of Gujarat to improve connectivity.
Additionally, he laid the foundation stone for 748 km of new roads in tribal regions and 14 Tribal Multi-Marketing Centres under DA-JAGUA. He also announced the foundation stone laying for 50 new Eklavya Model Residential Schools worth over Rs 2,320 crore, underscoring the government’s commitment to quality education for tribal children. (ANI)
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