Jashpur, Chhattisgarh: In a vibrant display of youth involvement in nation-building, Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, inaugurated the ‘Bhagwan Birsa Munda Mati Ke Veer’ Padyatra in Jashpur today. Joined by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and other state ministers, the event paid tribute to tribal icon Bhagwan Birsa Munda and highlighted the youth’s role in building a developed India.
The padyatra, organized by over 10,000 MY Bharat youth volunteers from 150 colleges, marks the 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda on November 15 and stands as a testament to the dedication of MY Bharat’s platform, designed to channel the aspirations of young Indians. Dr. Mandaviya praised the volunteers, stating, “The Mati Ke Veer Padyatra is a youth-led initiative that embodies the spirit of service and national pride.”
During the inauguration, several distinguished athletes from tribal communities were honored, including National Cricket Player Akanksha Rani, Taekwondo Athlete Prateek Bada, and Mountaineer Naina Dhakkad. The Minister emphasized that MY Bharat, with over 1.5 crore registered youth, acts as a single-window system for young citizens to participate in sports, arts, and culture, fostering a shared vision of a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047.
Dr. Mandaviya inspired participants with the values of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, calling on the youth to embrace selfless service as central to India’s development. “Seva is the fundamental value of our nation,” he noted, reinforcing the call for unity and progress through community involvement.
In addition to motivating youth involvement, Dr. Mandaviya encouraged MY Bharat volunteers to conduct special camps for Ayushman beneficiaries, focusing on elderly citizens above 70, and assist in the pension disbursement for senior pensioners.
In a key announcement, Dr. Mandaviya revealed plans for a new sports stadium in Jashpur, which will provide state-of-the-art training facilities and support local athletes, aiming to position India competitively for the 2036 Olympics.
The padyatra, which began at Purana Nagar Ground and concluded at Ranjita Stadium, saw young participants dressed as Bharat Mata, Chhattisgarh Mahatari, and Lord Birsa Munda, adding grandeur to the event. Along the route, the Minister was greeted with traditional tribal rituals, experienced tribal cuisine, and witnessed local games and art, underscoring the rich cultural heritage of the tribal communities.
This youth-led celebration of Bhagwan Birsa Munda exemplifies the vibrant role of young Indians in building a brighter future while honoring India’s tribal roots and culture.