Ranchi — Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Saturday visited Ulihatu, the ancestral village of tribal hero Birsa Munda, and paid floral tributes at his statue.
During the visit, he interacted with Birsa Munda’s descendants and family members. Calling the experience deeply emotional, the Vice President said the legendary leader’s life and sacrifice continue to inspire generations and shaped the course of India’s freedom struggle. He added that this was his first visit to the birthplace of “Dharti Aaba” after assuming office.
Recalling his earlier visit as Jharkhand Governor, he said Birsa Munda’s ideals remain relevant and will continue to guide future generations. He also mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared November 15, Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary, as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas in 2021 to honour tribal heritage.
Referring to tribal welfare initiatives, he highlighted the PM-JANMAN for the development and empowerment of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), underlining the focus on inclusive growth.
The Vice President also met local villagers, where he was welcomed with a traditional “Johar”. Large crowds gathered in Ulihatu and nearby areas, while security arrangements were tightened for the visit.
Among those present were Harivansh Narayan Singh, Santosh Kumar Gangwar and Irfan Ansari.
Known as “Dharti Aaba”, Birsa Munda led the Ulgulan in the late 1890s, mobilising tribal communities against exploitation and land alienation, and remains a towering figure in India’s tribal resistance movement.
With inputs from IANS