SCSTRTI Observes Janajatiya Gaurav Varsh Pakhwada with Tributes to Bhagwan Birsa Munda

Bhubaneswar: The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Research and Training Institute (SCSTRTI) today marked the Janajatiya Gaurav Varsh Pakhwada with immense enthusiasm, celebrating the life, legacy, and heroic contributions of Dharti Aba Bhagwan Birsa Munda. The programme was attended by senior dignitaries, including Laxman Kumar Mallik, ST Director; Sudhakar Sabara, Director, SCSTRTI; Prof. Vijaya Upadhyaya, Santali language scholar and eminent educationist; Prof. Manmath Kundu, former Principal of Rajdhani College; Prof. Ajay Kumar Tripathy, Principal, Government Science College, Chhatrapur; and Shri Santosh Kumar Rath, Deputy Director, SCSTRTI.

Speaking on the occasion, the dignitaries offered deep insights into Birsa Munda’s life, struggle, and indomitable courage. Prof. Upadhyaya reflected on Odisha’s long history of organised tribal revolts, while Prof. Kundu emphasised that Birsa Munda’s movement was not only a resistance to colonial rule and oppressive zamindari systems, but also a fight against entrenched social and economic injustices. Prof. Tripathy delivered a vivid narrative of Birsa Munda’s contributions, describing him as a revolutionary figure whose ideals remain relevant today.

Director Sabara said the true spirit of celebrating Janajatiya Gaurav Diwas lies in adopting Birsa Munda’s values in everyday life. Director Mallik highlighted Birsa Munda’s uprising as a symbol of the bravery and cultural richness of India’s tribal communities.

Observed nationwide from 1st to 15th November, this year’s Janajatiya Gaurav Varsh celebrations honoured India’s tribal heritage, culture, and their role in nation-building. As a tribute to Bhagwan Birsa Munda, a tree plantation drive was organised on the SCSTRTI campus. Winners of the state-level drawing competition featuring tribal students from various districts were also felicitated during the event.

In a gesture recognising the indispensable contribution of its workforce, SCSTRTI honoured its employees—including peons, security guards, gardeners, electricians, and support staff—with Seva Sammana awards for their dedicated service.

Under the ST, SC Development, Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare Department, SCSTRTI and the Odisha State Tribal Museum organised a series of special activities as part of the celebrations. These included a dedicated Bhagwan Birsa Munda Pavilion, an art exhibition on his life and struggles, a photo exhibition showcasing the lifestyle and culture of Odisha’s tribal communities, a weaving display by the Kulis tribe, a painting exhibition, and guided museum visits for school and college students to deepen their understanding of tribal heritage.