On November 15, India celebrates Janajatiya Gaurav Divas, a day dedicated to commemorating the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, the iconic tribal freedom fighter. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has annually marked this day to honor India’s tribal communities, highlighting their immense contributions to the country’s heritage and independence. The Modi administration’s commitment to elevating tribal culture and recognizing their historical significance has seen new projects and cultural platforms that support the tribal legacy.
Birsa Munda: A Legacy Honored Nationwide
PM Modi’s reverence for Birsa Munda is evident, as he became the first Prime Minister to visit Munda’s birthplace in Ulihatu, Jharkhand. The government established the Birsa Munda Memorial Park and a Freedom Fighter Museum, featuring a 25-foot statue of Munda and memorials for other tribal freedom fighters. Plans for Munda’s 150th anniversary include a monumental statue to tour various locations across India before its final installation at the Vanavasi Kalyan Ashram in Sri Vijayapuram. This enduring tribute aims to inspire Indians about Munda’s contributions and the indomitable spirit of India’s tribal communities.
Celebrating Tribal Heritage and Handicrafts
Under PM Modi’s leadership, efforts to promote tribal craftsmanship and arts have reached unprecedented levels. Initiatives to gain Geographical Indication (GI) tags for tribal products have resulted in over 75 tagged items, including Assam’s bamboo hats, Odisha’s Dongria Kond Shawls, and Arunachal Pradesh’s Yak Churpi. Through the GI tag program, tribal artisans now gain visibility and increased market value, contributing to the government’s “Vocal for Local” mission. Additionally, over 300 tribal heritage conservation centers document, archive, and promote India’s diverse tribal languages and cultural practices.
International Showcasing of Tribal Arts
PM Modi’s support for tribal culture extends globally. He has gifted unique tribal artifacts to international leaders, including Dokra metalwork to Australia and Brazil, Sohrai paintings to Russia, and Gond art to Brazil. Leaders of Uzbekistan and Comoros have received Warli paintings from Maharashtra, showcasing India’s rich tribal heritage on a global platform. This cultural diplomacy fosters global appreciation and pride for India’s indigenous communities.
Empowering Tribes through TRIFED and Adi Mahotsav
Through the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation (TRIFED), PM Modi’s government has empowered over 218,500 tribal households, connecting them to wider markets. TRIFED’s Tribes India stores and e-commerce platforms have facilitated the sale of over 100,000 tribal products, providing sustainable income sources for artisans. The Adi Mahotsav festival, established in 2017, has further promoted tribal entrepreneurship, bringing together artisans from across India. With 37 editions held so far, this festival showcases tribal arts, crafts, and cuisine, fostering cultural exchange and empowering artisans.
Honoring Tribal Freedom Fighters
PM Modi has also taken significant steps to honor lesser-known tribal freedom fighters, including Birsa Munda, Rani Kamalapati, and Gond Maharani Veer Durgavati. Movements such as the Khasi-Garo, Mizo, and Kol rebellions have been acknowledged, with monuments and museums dedicated to these freedom fighters. Railway stations, like Habibganj in Bhopal and Kaimai in Manipur, have been renamed in their honor, ensuring their sacrifices are remembered.
Developmental Projects for Tribal Communities
On this Janajatiya Gaurav Divas, PM Modi will launch and inaugurate projects worth Rs. 6,640 crore, advancing infrastructural and social development in tribal regions. Visiting Bihar’s Jamui, he will unveil a commemorative coin and postage stamp honoring Birsa Munda, underscoring his commitment to celebrating and supporting India’s tribal heritage.
PM Modi’s initiatives reflect his respect and connection with India’s tribal communities, which he demonstrates through continuous support, interactions, and projects aimed at preserving tribal culture and improving tribal livelihoods. His contributions have brought their stories, art, and traditions to national prominence, ensuring their cultural legacy is celebrated for generations to come.
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