Patna, Nov 15 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas with vibrant celebrations and heartfelt tributes to tribal leader Bhagwan Birsa Munda during his visit to the Jamui district of Bihar on Friday.
The day not only celebrated the contributions of tribal communities but also kicked off the 150th birth anniversary festivities of Munda, who is revered as one of India’s most significant freedom fighters. Modi, dressed in traditional attire featuring a white kurta and churidar paired with an olive green ethnic jacket, was greeted with spirited traditional dance performances as he arrived.
One of the standout moments of the day was when PM Modi took a selfie with tribal couple Dharmadurai and Ezhilarasi, who are members of the Irula tribe from Ariyalur district, Tamil Nadu. The couple had set up a stall at the event showcasing various products crafted by tribal communities, and their request for the selfie was met with enthusiasm from the Prime Minister.
“This initiative aims to honor and uplift tribal communities,” Modi emphasized as he addressed the gathered crowd during the rally. Earlier, he paid floral tributes to the statue of Birsa Munda, highlighting the significance of the day. "This celebration is not just about remembering our heroes, but also recognizing the struggles and sacrifices of our tribal brothers and sisters, which have too often gone unnoticed since independence,” he remarked.
November 15 has been formally recognized as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas since 2021 during the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations by the Modi administration. The design of this national day is to acknowledge the sacrifices made by tribal freedom fighters throughout the history of India.
During the Jabhar Ali Mela, as part of the Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas festivities, PM Modi unveiled several development projects aimed at improving infrastructure and creating employment opportunities for the youth of tribal communities. These projects are valued at approximately Rs 6,640 crore, and they focus on holistic development, which includes education, health, and economic opportunities for tribes.
Modi discussed three significant schemes, namely the Dharti Aaba, Janjatiya Gram, and Utkarsh Abhiyan, launched to transform over 60,000 tribal villages throughout the country. The Government is making substantial efforts to boost the entrepreneurial spirit among tribal communities through these initiatives, emphasizing self-sufficiency and community empowerment.
He also released commemorative coins and postage stamps to honor Birsa Munda’s legacy, symbolizing the government's commitment to preserving and promoting tribal heritage. The grand finale of the event featured Modi joining the local tribal dancers, flashing his smiles and trying his hand at the dhol, the traditional drum, which denotes his connectivity with the tribal traditions and cultures.
Summing up the day’s events, Modi said, “Today is not just about celebration. It marks the beginning of renewed commitment toward the welfare of our tribal communities. It's about providing ‘padhai, kamai, and dawai’ (education, earnings, and health care), which are the top priorities for our government when it concerns tribal people.”
Overall, PM Modi's participation at the Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas is significant, not just for the celebration of tribal heritage but also for the tangible commitments made toward uplifting and empowering tribal communities, fostering hope and optimism for future generations.
