The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi from Jamui district in Bihar inaugurated the celebration of 150 Birth Anniversary of Dharti Aaba Bhagwan Birsa Munda as the country joined to celebrate Janajatiya Gaurav Divas on this occasion. The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal joined the PM Narendra Modi from the playground of Dinjoye Tea Estate in Chabua. The PM also virtually inaugurated, laid foundation stones and dedicated projects worth ₹6,640 crores for the welfare of tribal people of India.
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the commencement of 150th Birth Anniversary Year celebration of Bhagwan Birsa Munda on the occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas and laid the foundation stone and inaugurated various development projects worth around ₹6,640 crore in Jamui, Bihar today.
The Prime Minister said that today was also a historic day for the citizens as it was the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda being celebrated as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas. He greeted the citizens of India and tribal brothers and sisters, in particular. The Prime Minister noted that Swachhata Abhiyan was held in the past 3 days in Jamui as a precursor to today’s Janjatiya Gaurav Divas.
Recalling that PM Modi was in Dharthi Abha Birsa Munda’s birth village Ulihatu on last year’s Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, PM Modi remarked that this year he was in place which had witnessed the bravery of martyr Tilka Manjhi and added that this occasion was even more special as the country was marking the commencement of 150th Birth Anniversary Year celebration of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. He added that the celebrations would go on for the upcoming year. The Prime Minister also congratulated the one crore people from various villages who had joined virtually in today’s event at Jamui, Bihar.
In Dibrugarh, on this special occasion, heartfelt homage was paid to the memory of Bhagwan Birsa Munda and other remarkable tribal leaders who played pivotal roles in shaping the nation at Dinjoye Tea Estate playground in Chabua. During the event, the Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal ceremonially distributed Bhumi Patta and Ayushman Health Insurance Cards to many tribal beneficiaries. The celebration featured vibrant participation from various ethnic tribal communities, showcasing their rich arts and cultural heritage.
Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said, “Bhagwan Birsa Munda, the heroic revolutionary and pride of India’s tribal communities, symbolises self-respect, sacrifice, and courage. His life and legacy continue to inspire strength, unity, and resilience. On his birth anniversary, we honour his role in uniting tribal societies against British colonial rule, embodying the spirit of self-reliance and inclusive growth for generations. To commemorate the great sacrifice made by the tribal communities for the cause of nation building, the whole country has joined to celebrate Janajatiya Gaurav Divas on this pious day.”
The event also witnessed cultural performance by dance troupes from Mising, Sonowal Kachari, Mechkachari, Moran, Matak, and Tea tribe communities adding colour and vibrancy to the celebration of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas here today.
Speaking further, Sarbananda Sonowal said, “This day holds great significance for India as we celebrate the rich heritage and invaluable contributions of tribal communities to nation-building. Since 2014, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, millions of tribal people have benefited from welfare initiatives, addressing long-standing demands and fostering dignity and honor for all. The legacy of Birsa Munda, marked by patriotism, sacrifice, and courage, remains an enduring source of inspiration. Guided by this history of resilience and commitment, I am determined to work toward an inclusive, self-reliant, and prosperous India.”
Highlighting the key role Modi government is playing to empower the tribal communities of the country, the Union Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal said, “In a significant effort for tribal welfare, Prime Minister Modi initiated the ‘Dharti Aaba Tribal Village Excellence Campaign’, focusing on delivering essential amenities to remote tribal areas. Key achievements include the allocation of ₹79,156 crore to improve infrastructure and services for over 5.338 crore tribal individuals across 63,843 villages in 30 states and Union Territories. Under the campaign, tribal communities have benefited from initiatives such as constructing 20 lakh homes under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Rural), electrifying 35 lakh houses, promoting off-grid solar energy solutions, and installing solar power systems. Healthcare has also been prioritised, with 1,000 mobile medical units deployed under the National Health Mission. Additionally, various agricultural and welfare projects have been implemented, alongside the development of 1,000 tribal homes under the Swadesh Darshan scheme. These efforts symbolise a holistic approach to improving the quality of life and empowering tribal populations. Under the BJP-led NDA government’s effective governance, significant progress has been made in tribal welfare. Achievements include the construction of 29,462 tribal villages under the Water Supply Department, 11,539 villages benefiting from Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, and 1,000 hostels built under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan. Additionally, 5,000 villages have been connected through Telecom Technology Development Capital, and 1,000 skill centers for tribal youth have been established. These initiatives have brought transformative changes, addressing the longstanding neglect of tribal communities under previous administrations. Prime Minister Modi’s leadership has restored respect and dignity to the tribal population, empowering them to thrive.”
The Union Minister was joined by the Ministers of Government of Assam, namely, Jogen Mohan, Bimal Borah, Sanjoy Kishan along with the MP (Rajya Sabha), Rameswar Teli and MLAs, namely, Prashanta Phukan, Ponakan Baruah, Chakradhar Gogoi, Terash Gowalla, Binod Hazarika and other prominent individuals. The event was organised by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs with support from Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways as well as the Dibrugarh District Administration, Government of Assam.
