New Delhi: Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Tuesday paid heartfelt tributes to tribal icon and freedom fighter Birsa Munda on his martyrdom day, describing him as a timeless symbol of courage, self-respect and the fight for justice.
Remembering the legendary tribal leader, the Vice President said Birsa Munda’s sacrifices and ideals continue to guide the nation in advancing social justice, empowerment and inclusive development. He added that the tribal hero’s legacy would remain a source of inspiration for generations to come.
In a post on X, Radhakrishnan said that Birsa Munda, fondly revered as Dharti Aaba, awakened a spirit of resistance against oppression through the historic Ulgulan. His movement inspired tribal communities to protect their rights, identity and dignity in the face of colonial exploitation.
The Vice President also recalled his personal visits to Ulihatu, Birsa Munda’s birthplace. He noted that paying tribute there on his first day as Governor of Jharkhand, and later again as Vice President, remains a deeply meaningful experience for him.
Born in 1875 in present-day Jharkhand, Birsa Munda emerged as one of India’s most influential tribal leaders. He spearheaded the Ulgulan movement against British rule and exploitative land policies that threatened the livelihoods and traditional rights of tribal communities in the Chotanagpur Plateau region.
His struggle continues to resonate far beyond Jharkhand. In Assam, particularly among tea garden communities whose ancestors migrated from the Chotanagpur region during the colonial period, Birsa Munda is still regarded as a powerful symbol of resistance, dignity and empowerment.
Recognising his contribution to tribal rights and India’s freedom movement, the Union government has declared November 15, Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary, as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas. The day celebrates the contributions of tribal freedom fighters and India’s rich tribal heritage.
Leaders, social organisations and tribal groups across Assam and other parts of the country also paid tribute to the iconic leader, remembering his unwavering commitment to protecting the rights of indigenous and marginalised communities.
Birsa Munda passed away in British custody on June 9, 1900, at the age of just 25. More than a century later, his message of justice, dignity and resistance continues to inspire people across India.
With inputs from IANS