Bharat’s tribal communities have played a crucial role in shaping the nation’s social and political fabric. Throughout history, tribal leaders have led powerful movements to protect their land, culture, and dignity from colonial exploitation and injustice. From the late 18th to the early 20th century, various tribal communities across India rose against the British colonial administration, local landlords, and moneylenders who disturbed their traditional way of life.
From the Ulgulan movement led by Birsa Munda to the fierce resistance of Alluri Sitarama Raju, Tantia Bhil, Veer Gundadhur, Rani Gaidinliu, Ramji Gond, Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh, Sidhu-Kanhu, and others, it demonstrated that tribal movements were not isolated revolts; they were sustained, powerful counter-narratives to colonial oppression. Their struggles have not only safeguarded tribal rights but also strengthened the broader fight for the nation’s freedom and equality.
A historic decision was taken in 2021 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to commemorate the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda (November 15) as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas to recognise these Janjatiya leaders and their struggle. This monumental decision is a significant milestone, as it instils pride and knowledge about the rich heritage and struggles of tribal freedom fighters across generations.
This year’s celebrations are notable as we conclude today the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Birsa Munda (Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh), which commenced in 2024.
I had the privilege of being a Member of Parliament (12th and 13th Lok Sabha) when Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the Prime Minister. It was during his time that a separate Ministry of Tribal Affairs was established. As a Member of the Lok Sabha, I also voted for the formation of separate states of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Uttarakhand. Later, I became the Governor of the state of Jharkhand.
After taking the oath, I travelled to Ulihatu, the birthplace of Birsa Munda, to pay my tributes. Notably, PM Modi is the first Prime Minister to visit Ulihatu. His visit validated the Janjatiyas’ importance in the eyes of the entire country. He announced the PM-JANMAN scheme, aimed at protecting and empowering particularly vulnerable tribal communities.
Since the last decade, there has been a paradigm shift in policymaking for tribal communities, from being welfare-oriented to being empowerment-oriented. For example, the PM-JANMAN mission, aimed at 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), provides basic infrastructural facilities like pucca houses, road connectivity, drinking water, electricity connection, healthcare facilities, education, etc.
Another notable effort is the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, a transformative mission. It aims for 100 per cent saturation of basic services and holistic socio-economic development in over 63,000 tribal-majority villages. Geotagging of tribal products, the Tribal Business Conclave and other such initiatives by the Centre are positive strides towards empowering tribal communities. These efforts have enabled tribal communities to transition from being isolated groups to becoming part of the national mainstream.
As Governor of the states of Jharkhand, Telangana, and later Maharashtra, I had personally taken up the issue of expansion of the Eklavya Model Residential (EMR) schools with the Union Minister of Tribal Affairs for greater accrual of benefits. I am pleased to learn that the Centre has targeted setting up 728 EMR schools, of which 479 are already functional, benefitting around 3.5 lakh tribal students across the country.
I am also glad to note that the government has taken initiatives to ensure that the stories of the tribal leaders are immortalised. A total of 11 state-of-the-art tribal freedom fighter museums have been sanctioned across 10 states, of which four have already been inaugurated. These museums, leveraging digital and immersive technology, serve as vibrant educational centres.
The tribal leaders and their movements serve as a constant reminder that the fight for freedom and dignity was deeply rooted in the forests and hills of the tribal areas of India. Their courage, sacrifice, and enduring spirit continue to inspire movements for social justice, ecological balance, and human rights across the nation. Birsa Munda lived for only 25 years, but he ignited a fire of patriotism that will last for generations to come.
The writer is the Vice President of India
This year’s celebrations are notable as we conclude today the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Birsa Munda (Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh), which commenced in 2024.
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