Grand Inauguration of ‘Bhagwan Birsa Kala Sangam 2.0’ in Gadchiroli; Unique Confluence of Traditional Folk Arts and Modern Art Forms
The joy on the faces of tribal artists is the real Janjatiya Gaurav – Tribal Development Minister Dr Ashok Uike
40,000 artists registered; state-level platform in Gadchiroli for 2,500 artists from across Maharashtra
Preserve the legacy of tribal languages, culture and traditions and pass it on to the next generation – Actor Bharat Ganeshpure
Gadchiroli, November 2026 : Gadchiroli, where organising large national-level programmes was once difficult due to the influence of Naxalism, is now hosting the national-level Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas celebration. This is an important indication of the changing situation in the district and its ongoing journey towards development.
The Central Government is committed to ensuring national recognition for the glorious history, contribution to the freedom struggle, valour, sacrifice and rich culture of tribal communities. It is a matter of special pride that this year's national-level Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas is being celebrated in a historically significant tribal region such as Gadchiroli, said Union Tribal Affairs Minister Juel Oram today.
He was speaking at the inauguration of the state-level cultural festival ‘Bhagwan Birsa Kala Sangam 2.0’, organised by the Tribal Development Department of the Maharashtra Government at the District Sports Complex in Gadchiroli on the occasion of the 151st birth anniversary of Krantisurya Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
The festival was inaugurated by State Tribal Development Minister Dr Ashok Uike. The participation of tribal artists who have arrived from every corner of Maharashtra has created a unique confluence of tribal art, culture and traditions in Gadchiroli. Through this festival, a broad platform has been provided for traditional folk arts, folk dances, singing, instrumental music, handicrafts and modern digital art forms.
Selection of Gadchiroli Symbolises Changing Situation
Union Minister Juel Oram said that the selection of Gadchiroli for the main national-level Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas celebration carries special significance. At one time, due to the influence of Naxalism, organising large national programmes and arranging visits by several high-ranking dignitaries together in this region was challenging.
However, efforts undertaken against Naxalism under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have brought about a major change in the situation in the region. Moving out of the influence of Naxalism, Gadchiroli is progressing towards a new era of development. Organising the national-level Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas celebration in this region is an important symbol of the changing Gadchiroli, he said.
The Central Government is continuously making efforts for the overall development of tribal communities. Along with bringing tribal people into the mainstream of development, special emphasis is being laid on preserving their cultural identity. He also stated that tribal communities were benefiting significantly from various developmental initiatives of the government.
Journey from Establishment of Separate Tribal Affairs Ministry to National Day of Pride
To provide a separate administrative direction for the development of tribal communities, former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee established a separate Ministry of Tribal Affairs in the Central Government in 1999.
Recalling that he had received the opportunity to serve as the first Union Cabinet Minister of this ministry, Oram remembered the farsightedness of Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Subsequently, in 2014, he again received the opportunity to handle the responsibility of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During this period, discussions were held on presenting the contribution of tribal communities to the freedom struggle, their glorious history and cultural heritage more effectively at the national level.
As a result, in 2021, the Union Cabinet took the historic decision to observe the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, November 15, as ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas’.
He explained that the main objective behind this decision was to remember the history of more than 700 tribal communities in the country, honour their culture and ensure that the sacrifices of tribal revolutionaries in the freedom struggle were brought to the knowledge of the new generation.
Remembering the Sacrifice of Revolutionary Babu Rao Shedmake
Along with Bhagwan Birsa Munda, numerous tribal revolutionaries from different parts of the country fought against British rule. The contribution of revolutionary Babu Rao Shedmake from the land of Gadchiroli to the freedom struggle is extremely significant. He sacrificed his life while fighting against British rule.
However, the history of many such tribal freedom fighters has not been adequately presented before society for a long time. It is necessary to remember the sacrifice and valour of these revolutionaries and ensure that their contributions receive national recognition, Oram said.
Museums are being established across the country to preserve the history of tribal freedom fighters. Efforts are also underway to collect, preserve and digitise historical documents related to their struggles so that this history can reach the younger generation.
He said that Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas had provided an opportunity to pay tribute to tribal revolutionaries from across the country and draw inspiration from their work.
Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas Gets Broad Public Participation
The national-level Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas celebration has previously been organised in various parts of the country. This year, the main national-level celebration of the sixth Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas is being organised in Gadchiroli.
The occasion has provided an opportunity to present before the country the history, culture and contribution of tribal communities to nation-building.
This year, Janjatiya Gaurav Fortnight is being observed across the country from November 1 to 15. Under this initiative, visits are being made to tribal personalities who have received Padma Awards, tribal sportspersons who have received Arjuna Awards, and tribal individuals whose work was mentioned in the Prime Minister's ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme, to honour their contributions.
Union Minister Oram informed that more than two lakh programmes were organised at various locations across the country last year, with the participation of over 3.8 crore citizens.
He appealed that Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas should not remain merely a government programme but should become a widespread public movement celebrating the pride of tribal communities.
He congratulated Tribal Development Minister Dr Ashok Uike for the excellent organisation of Bhagwan Birsa Kala Sangam in Gadchiroli. He said that providing a state-level platform to artists from rural and remote areas, honouring their art and encouraging them was a very important initiative.
The Joy on the Faces of Tribal Artists Is the Real Janjatiya Gaurav – Dr Ashok Uike
In his address, State Tribal Development Minister Dr Ashok Uike placed special emphasis on preserving the cultural heritage of tribal communities, honouring rural artists and providing opportunities for their artistic talents.
He said that Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas was not merely a day for honouring dignitaries or holding a formal programme. It was a day to recognise the achievements of ordinary tribal people living in remote areas.
When a poor artist from a rural area gets an opportunity to present his or her art on a state-level platform, when the artist's talent is appreciated and a smile of happiness appears on the artist's face, that is the real Janjatiya Gaurav.
He expressed the view that the smiles and happiness on the faces of artists were the true honour of the Tribal Development Department.
40,000 Artists Registered; 2,500 Artists Get State-Level Opportunity
The ‘Bhagwan Birsa Kala Sangam’ initiative was launched to provide a broad platform for the traditional arts, folk dances, music, folk traditions and cultural heritage of tribal communities.
Under this initiative, competitions were organised at various levels across the state from June 9. Artists were given opportunities to showcase their skills, beginning at the village level and progressing through the taluka, district, divisional and state levels.
Around 40,000 artists from across the state registered for the initiative. Approximately 2,500 artists selected through competitions at various levels have received an opportunity to participate in the state-level cultural festival in Gadchiroli.
Artists from remote areas have reached this platform through their hard work and talent, and this is a recognition of their achievements, Minister Dr Uike said.
The government's objective through Bhagwan Birsa Kala Sangam is to increase the confidence of artists, provide opportunities for their hidden talents and preserve the cultural traditions of tribal communities.
He clarified that 40,000 artists had registered this year and efforts would be made to increase this number to 60,000 next year.
Preserving Tribal Culture Is a Collective Responsibility of Everyone
It is the need of the hour to keep alive the languages, deities, folk arts, traditions and cultural identity of tribal communities. Artists from rural and remote areas have preserved this heritage for several generations.
Honouring their artistic talents and providing them with more opportunities is the responsibility of the Tribal Development Department, Dr Uike said.
Programmes involving cleanliness drives, Deepotsav and tributes are being organised at the memorial sites of tribal freedom fighters, including Krantiveer Babu Rao Shedmake, Raghोजी Bhangre and Tantya Bhil, to take the history of tribal freedom fighters to the youth.
The Maharashtra Government is observing ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Seva Saptah’ from November 11 to 18. With the participation of the government, administration and various social organisations, emphasis is being placed on ensuring that tribal communities benefit from government schemes, honouring their contributions and promoting their social and cultural empowerment.
Every artist who has arrived in Gadchiroli should receive respect and honour. After returning to their villages, artists should dedicate themselves to cultural activities with greater enthusiasm, inspired by their experiences at the festival.
He further said that the real objective of celebrating Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas would be fulfilled only when ordinary members of tribal communities receive recognition and respect.
Pass on the Legacy of Mother Tongue and Culture to the Next Generation – Bharat Ganeshpure
Renowned actor Bharat Ganeshpure, through his distinctive style, highlighted the importance of preserving tribal languages, culture and traditional ways of life.
Many people move from villages to cities for education, employment and business. However, even after settling in cities, they should not forget their mother tongue, dialects and cultural identity.
Language is an important part of the identity of every community. Along with speaking one's own language, it is even more important to ensure that the next generation also learns it, he said.
Tribal communities have preserved their traditions, festivals and cultural heritage with great dedication. Citing the Gond and Korku communities of Melghat as examples, he appreciated the cultural commitment of tribal communities.
He said that tribal handicrafts, articles made from bamboo, traditional food items and local products needed to become familiar to a wider section of society.
He also expressed the need to make effective use of modern social media platforms to increase the direct participation of more citizens in cultural festivals.
He said that broadcasting artists' performances through reels, short films and other digital platforms could help take the identity of tribal culture more effectively to the younger generation.
He expressed satisfaction over the initiatives undertaken by the Central and State Governments for the preservation of tribal art and culture.
Confluence of Traditional Folk Arts and Modern Digital Art Forms
Through ‘Bhagwan Birsa Kala Sangam 2.0’, opportunities have been provided not only for traditional arts of tribal communities but also for artistic expressions through modern digital platforms.
Along with folk dances, folk music, singing, instrumental music, handicrafts, painting, traditional worship rituals and cultural traditions, modern art forms such as reels, documentaries, blogs and short films have also been included in the initiative.
According to the information provided regarding the organisation of the festival, 1,001 artists in traditional art forms have been selected for the state-level round.
In addition, around 250 content creators who present tribal community culture through modern media have also been selected.
Artists from the jurisdictions of various regional offices of the Tribal Development Department have arrived in Gadchiroli for the festival.
The objectives behind the initiative are to document traditional art forms and preserve their legacy for future generations, encourage artists and provide wider recognition to tribal culture through modern technology.
Special Theatrical Presentation on the Valour of Bhagwan Birsa Munda
Various cultural performances by tribal artists who have arrived from every corner of Maharashtra have been organised as part of the festival.
In addition, a special theatrical presentation based on the life and work of Bhagwan Birsa Munda has been scheduled from 6 pm to 8 pm.
The theatrical presentation will depict the struggle of Bhagwan Birsa Munda for the rights of tribal communities and his fight against British rule.
Citizens have been appealed to attend in large numbers, enjoy the artistic performances of tribal artists and encourage them.
Main National-Level Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas Celebration Tomorrow
The main national-level official celebration of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas will be organised on November 15 at the District Sports Complex in Gadchiroli to mark the 151st birth anniversary of Krantisurya Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the programme and address the people of the country through a virtual platform.
Governor Jishnu Dev Varma and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, along with several dignitaries from the Central and State Governments, are scheduled to attend the national celebration.
Gadchiroli has received the honour of hosting this historic event, which celebrates the valour, culture, traditions and contribution of tribal communities to the freedom struggle across the country.
Citizens have been appealed to participate in the programme in large numbers.
Presence of Dignitaries
Those present at the programme included Rajya Sabha Member Maya Ivnate, MLA Dr Milind Narote, Gadchiroli Municipal Council President Advocate Pranoti Nimbalkar, Tribal Development Department Commissioner Meena Bansod, Commissioner of the Tribal Research and Training Institute Nilesh Sagar, District Collector Avishyant Panda, Additional Commissioner of the Tribal Development Department Ayushi Singh, Zilla Parishad Chief Executive Officer Suhas Gade, renowned actor Bharat Ganeshpure,
Former MP Ashok Nete, former MLAs Deorao Holi, Namdev Usendi and Krishna Gajbe, Prakash Gedam, Ramesh Barsagade, along with senior officials from various departments, prominent members of tribal communities, artists and citizens.
