Bhagwan Birsa Munda is not merely a name, but an ideology | Opinion

By- Dr. Mohan Yadav

November 15 is a day of self-respect, indomitable courage and patriotism, not only for the tribal community but for entire nation. Today marks the birth anniversary of DhartiAaba, Bhagwan Birsa Mundaji, the pioneer of the Ulgulan movement. On this auspicious occasion, I pay my respects to all tribal heroes on behalf of eight crore people of Madhya Pradesh.

Bhagwan Birsa Munda is not merely a name, but an ideology. At a very young age, he launched the 'Ulgulan' (revolution) against the oppressive policies of British and their exploitative system. His movement helped strengthen the foundations of India's freedom struggle. His fight to protect tribal community's rights over water, forests and land continues to inspire us to serve the nation and remain vigilant about our rights.

Madhya Pradesh has been a centre of tribal culture and pride. It is the state with the largest tribal population in the country. For us, celebrating Bhagwan Birsa Mundaji's birth anniversary is not merely a formal event. It is a national resolve to remain connected with our roots and improve the lives of our tribal brothers and sisters.

Our illustrious Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji took the historic initiative to observe November 15 as 'Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas'. Madhya Pradesh had the privilege of becoming a witness to and a leading state in this historic decision. Our government firmly believes that the vision of Madhya Pradesh's complete development will remain unfulfilled until the tribal community is socially and economically empowered. In this direction, the state government is continuously taking several historic steps.

We have implemented PESA Act in the state, empowering tribal communities to take decisions concerning water, forests and land and making them self-reliant in these matters. Village Gram Sabhas now have full authority to manage their resources. A network of Eklavya Model Residential Schools is being developed to provide quality education in tribal areas. Special campaigns are also being conducted to eliminate serious diseases such as sickle cell anaemia. Under these campaigns, lakhs of tribal people have undergone health screening and received treatment.

Through initiatives such as the Bhagwan Birsa Munda Self-Employment Scheme and Tantya Mama Economic Welfare Scheme, tribal youth are being provided financial assistance and training to help them become self-reliant.

We have preserved our cultural heritage by constructing memorials and museums to bring the sacrifices and contributions of great personalities such as Tantya Bhil, Bhima Nayak, Raja Shankar Shah, Kunwar Raghunath Shah and Rani Durgavati to the people. Realising the vision of a prosperous, self-reliant and self-respecting society that Bhagwan Birsa Mundaji cherished is the foremost objective of our government.

On this Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, let us all resolve to continue working towards protecting the pride, cultural heritage and rights of our tribal communities.

Jai Hind! Jai Madhya Pradesh! Jai Johar!

(The author is Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Zee News)