Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav paid tribute to the great revolutionary, people's leader and Dharti Aaba Bhagwan Birsa Munda on his birth anniversary. He said that no honour or recognition could adequately reflect the greatness of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. Despite his young age of just 25, he upheld the values of patriotism, faith, self-respect and social discipline. The nation will forever remember his supreme sacrifice. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has initiated efforts to carry forward the legacy and honour the sacrifices of India's tribal heroes. Tribal icons made significant contributions to preserving our ancient culture and heritage. The life of Veerangana Rani Durgavati of the Gondwana kingdom was extraordinary. Tribal heroes fought important battles against injustice and exploitation under the prevailing regimes. Bhagwan Birsa Munda inspired people to become aware and organised to protect their identity and culture. He emphasised that no heritage is greater than culture and no glory is greater than self-respect. Bhagwan Birsa Munda launched a movement against British rule. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav addressed a programme organised under 'Janjatiya Gaurav Saptah' at Garrison Ground in Jabalpur on Saturday to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dharti Aaba Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav was honoured at the ceremony by adorning him with a traditional safa and presenting him with a bow and arrow. Dressed in traditional tribal attire, he also played a traditional drum, conveying his deep respect for and affinity with tribal culture, traditions and folk arts.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav felicitated tribal achievers who have brought pride to Madhya Pradesh through their talent, skills and accomplishments at national and international levels. He also distributed financial assistance to tribal youth under various welfare schemes of the State Government.
Government Taking Contributions and Ideals of Tribal Heroes to Every Section of Society
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the State Government is highlighting the contributions and ideals of tribal heroes to inspire people across society. The Government held its first Cabinet meeting in Jabalpur, followed by the second at Sangrampur near Katni, which was dedicated to Veerangana Rani Durgavati. The State Government is establishing a medical college in the name of Raja Shankar Shah and Raghunath Shah of Jabalpur, who awakened social consciousness and inspired self-respect through their writings. A university has been established in Khargone in the name of Krantisurya Tantya Mama. Tantya Mama had ignited the flame of revolution in Dhar, Jhabua and Alirajpur. Raja Bhabhut Singh of Pachmarhi fought a major battle against the British. The State Government has named the Satpura Tiger Reserve after Raja Bhabhut Singh. The history of Madhya Pradesh is also enriched by a long lineage of tribal heroes such as Bhima Nayak, Khwaja Nayak and Badal Bhoi, whose lives continue to inspire the younger generation with patriotism, courage and self-respect.
Birsa Munda Became Beacon of Justice against Injustice Faced by Tribals
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that Bhagwan Birsa Munda upheld his culture and traditions and sacrificed his life for the nation with a bow and arrow in hand. He believed that self-respect, love for one's homeland and patriotism were paramount. Standing against the injustice faced by tribal communities, Bhagwan Birsa Munda raised the banner of resistance against British rule to protect his motherland, culture, community and rights. His courage and supreme sacrifice will continue to inspire generations for centuries.
Holistic Development of Identified Tribal Areas is the State Government's Top Priority
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that Madhya Pradesh is home to several tribal communities. The State Government is accelerating development works across all regions, with the holistic development of identified tribal areas remaining its top priority. Residents of tribal areas will also benefit from the CM Sugam Parivahan Bus Service. To enhance farmers' incomes, the State Government is also promoting dairy farming and animal husbandry. He called upon people to celebrate Tribal Pride Day with enthusiasm at the block level as well.
Sandeepani Schools to Be Established in Chhindwara, Dindori and Balaghat
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that Jabalpur received development projects worth ₹133 crore, including hostels and schools, on the occasion of National Tribal Pride Day. These initiatives aim to provide quality education to tribal youth, enabling them to progress and contribute to the state's development. The State Government has established Sandeepani Schools equipped with state-of-the-art facilities as a tribute to the friendship between Lord Shri Krishna and Sudama. In the same direction, Sandeepani Schools will be established in Chhindwara, Dindori and Balaghat districts at a cost of ₹85 crore. He said that an Ayurvedic college is being established in Dindori and a medical college in Mandla. Irrigation coverage is being expanded in Balaghat, Jabalpur and all other districts of the Mahakoshal region through water from the Narmada. The Rani Durgavati Shri Anna Yojana has been launched to promote millets.
Ladli Behna beneficiaries are receiving monthly financial assistance, while farmers are benefiting from the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. For the welfare of tribal communities, development works worth ₹98 crore have been undertaken under the PM JANMAN Scheme, while projects worth ₹401.56 crore have been inaugurated and their foundation stones laid under the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan. He said these initiatives would give fresh impetus to the development of tribal areas.
PM Shri Modi Initiated Efforts to Honour Tribal Heroes and Integrate Tribal Communities into Mainstream
Union Minister of State Shri Durga Das Uikey said that Bhagwan Birsa Munda, despite being born into an ordinary family, awakened the tribal community. He launched campaigns against social evils such as superstition and substance abuse, promoted education and gave the message of "Our Country, Our Rule".
The life of Birsa Munda offers three key lessons: take pride in one's culture and heritage, remain vigilant about one's rights and stand firmly against injustice, and uphold self-respect and self-reliance. He strongly opposed religious conversions among tribal communities and advocated a life of self-sufficiency. Since 2014, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has launched several schemes and initiatives across the country to honour tribal heroes and integrate tribal communities into the mainstream. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav is making dedicated efforts to ensure that the benefits of these initiatives reach every person in need.
Achievers in Water Conservation, Art, Literature and Sports Felicitated
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav felicitated social workers and achievers from the tribal community for their outstanding contributions in various fields. Those honoured included Smt. Ujiyaro Bai for her contribution to water conservation; Sushri Purnima Pusre for her participation in an art exhibition in Hyderabad; Sushri Pooja Dhurve, who secured the eighth rank in the state in the Class 10 Board Examination; international para-athlete Sushri Jamna Uikey; Sushri Dropadi Dhurve, a differently-abled achiever who writes with her feet; PhD scholar Shri Ram Kishore Sirsam, whose name has been entered in the India Book of Records; volleyball gold medallist Shri Himanshu Parte; and Dr. T. R. Barkade, a literary figure known for his contribution to Gondwana folk literature. They were presented with mementoes in recognition of their achievements. Tribal Affairs Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah, Public Health Engineering Minister Smt. Sampatiya Uikey and Jabalpur MP Shri Ashish Dubey also addressed the programme. A large number of members of the tribal community attended the state-level ceremony.
