Remembering Birsa Munda on his Birth Anniversary

On 15th November, we celebrate the life of the great tribal leader Birsa Munda as the Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas or the Tribal Pride Day. This day was announced as the Tribal Pride Day in 2021 by the government of India. 

Born on 15th November 1875, Birsa Munda was a tribal leader and a freedom fighter. He belonged to the Munda tribe in Jharkhand. From a young age, Birsa Munda fought against British rule and started movements to protect tribal rights.

In 1895, Birsa Munda inspired many tribes to come together and protest against British rule. Later on, he founded the Munda Council.  He was given the title of “Dharti abba” or “Father of Earth”. Due to his protests, he was arrested in 1900 and died at the young age of 25. 

To honour Birsa Munda, the airport in Ranchi was named after him. PM Narendra Modi opened the Birsa Munda museum which has a 25-foot statue of him. He is the only tribal leader of the country whose picture is kept in the Central Hall of Parliament. 

Birsa Munda is celebrated as one of the greatest freedom fighters in India. Various cultural programs are organised all over India to honour him. This year, PM Modi announced a scheme to benefit the tribes in Jharkhand.