New Delhi: On the occasion of the 150th birth anniversary year of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah unveiled a grand statue of the tribal freedom fighter at Baansera Park, New Delhi. The event, held today, was graced by Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal, Lieutenant Governor of Delhi Vinai Kumar Saxena, Union Minister of State Harsh Malhotra, and other dignitaries.
In his address, Amit Shah underscored Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s pivotal role in India’s freedom struggle and his tireless efforts to safeguard tribal culture and identity. “Bhagwan Birsa Munda, in his short life of 25 years, showed the world how to live with purpose and left an indelible mark as one of the great heroes of the freedom struggle,” said Shah.
To commemorate this milestone, the Modi government has renamed Sarai Kale Khan Chowk as Bhagwan Birsa Munda Chowk. Additionally, Shah announced that the year leading up to November 15, 2025, will be celebrated as Adivasi Gaurav Varsh (Tribal Pride Year), emphasizing the government’s commitment to preserving and promoting tribal heritage.
Born in 1875 in a small village in Jharkhand, Bhagwan Birsa Munda, affectionately known as Dharti Aba (Father of the Earth), emerged as a fearless leader against British rule and social injustice. Shah highlighted Birsa Munda’s resistance to religious conversion during his youth, his advocacy for tribal rights over water, forest, and land, and his social reforms opposing alcohol consumption and exploitative landlord systems.
“Birsa Munda’s unwavering commitment to tribal culture and his supreme sacrifice for the motherland continue to inspire generations. His legacy has earned him a revered place in the annals of history,” Shah added.
Shah lamented that many tribal heroes of India’s freedom struggle were forgotten after independence. To address this, Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated the construction of 20 museums dedicated to tribal freedom fighters at a cost of ₹200 crore. So far, museums in Ranchi, Jabalpur, and Chhindwara have been completed, with the remaining set to be ready by 2026.
Shah highlighted the Modi government’s unprecedented focus on tribal development, including:
- Increasing the tribal development budget from ₹28,000 crore to ₹1,33,000 crore in 2024-25.
- Establishing 708 Eklavya Model Residential Schools and allocating ₹15,000 crore for the Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission.
- Providing ₹97,000 crore under the District Mineral Foundation Scheme and ₹24,000 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan for the development of 63,000 villages.
Shri Shah also noted the government’s success in significantly reducing Naxalism, which has historically hindered development in tribal areas.
In addition to developmental initiatives, Shah highlighted the elevation of Smt. Droupadi Murmu, the daughter of a tribal family, as the President of India, calling it a landmark moment in the nation’s history.
The unveiling of Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s statue and the celebration of his life and legacy stand as powerful reminders of India’s commitment to honoring its tribal heritage and fostering inclusive growth for all.