Prime Minister Narendra Modi made waves on Friday as he celebrated Birsa Munda's 150th birth anniversary at the Janjatiya Gaurav Divas event held in Jamui, Bihar. Dressed casually in a white kurta with churidar and paired it with an olive green ethnic jacket, Modi was greeted warmly by attendees who showcased traditional dance performances.
During his visit, PM Modi paid homage to the respected tribal leader, Bhagwan Birsa Munda, by laying floral wreaths at his statue and bowing low to show his respect. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as the Prime Minister joined local dance performers and even attempted to play the dhol, demonstrating his enthusiasm and connection with the cultural festivities surrounding the event.
Later, he announced the launch of various projects aimed at improving the living conditions of tribal communities across the country, with the total investment nearing Rs 6,640 crore. This investment signals the government's commitment to enhancing infrastructure and providing new opportunities for rural and remote populations.
One of the key projects highlighted was the Dharti Aaba Tribal Village Utkras Abhiyan, which is set to uplift more than 60,000 tribal villages with substantial funding of ₹80,000 crore. Modi also took part in the Grih Pravesh ceremony for 11,000 homes constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan, which aims to provide affordable housing solutions for tribal families.
The excitement among the crowds was palpable. Locals expressed their admiration for Modi, emphasizing how his policies and initiatives have positively impacted their lives. Mausam Devi, one of the attendees, proclaimed, “We have come here to see PM Modi. He has inspired us a lot by working for the development of farmers.” Others echoed similar sentiments, praising the free rations distributed during the COVID crisis and the numerous initiatives aimed at assisting farmers and laborers.
Modi's presence at the event was not merely ceremonial; it was strategic. By honoring Birsa Munda—a historical figure who fought against colonial rule—Modi aimed to resonate with the tribal population who are often marginalized and underrepresented. Through his initiatives, he assures these communities of their importance and the government's commitment to their welfare.
To commemorate Birsa Munda’s legacy, the Prime Minister also unveiled special commemorative coins and postal stamps, serving as enduring reminders of Munda’s contributions and the government’s tribute to him.
Highlighting the government's accomplishments, Modi spoke about budget allocations for tribal welfare. He contrasted the previous budgets with the current funding levels, noting how the budget for tribal development has expanded significantly from less than Rs 25,000 crores ten years ago to Rs 1.25 lakh crores now. He emphasized, “It was the NDA government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee who created a separate ministry for tribal welfare,” showcasing the long-term commitment to supporting these communities.
Modi also celebrated the election of Droupadi Murmu as the first tribal woman President of India. He acknowledged the role of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's strong support for her candidacy, declaring it as a historic achievement, symbolizing the aspirations of tribal communities and the recognition they are gradually receiving at the highest levels of government.
The Prime Minister’s remarks were not solely focused on economic development; he also stressed the significance of preserving and promoting tribals' cultural heritage. He pointed to initiatives, including the establishment of museums dedicated to tribal culture and art, as well as the inauguration of research centers aimed at eleviating awareness and education around tribal customs.
Continuing to honor this cultural diversity, Modi acknowledged the significance of the day itself, which coincided with Kartik Purnima, Dev Deepawali, and the 500th Prakash Parv of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. He used this opportunity to convey his heartfelt greetings to the tribal brothers and sisters attending the event, reinforcing the unity and shared heritage among India’s diverse communities.
PM Modi’s commitment to tribal welfare through substantial investments, the upliftment of infrastructure, and the honoring of cultural identities were evident through the various announcements made during the day. His visit not only reinforced the government’s dedication to tribal development but also strengthened its ties with these integral communities, paving the way for more holistic and inclusive growth strategies moving forward.
