“Along with conserving water and forests, we must internalise the ideals of Birsa Munda,” said Barmer district in-charge Minister Shri Joraram Kumawat on Saturday. He was speaking at the district-level programme held at the Bhagwan Mahavir Town Hall to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Dharti Aaba Bhagwan Birsa Munda, celebrated under the Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas fortnight.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Rajasthan Chief Minister Shri Bhajanlal Sharma addressed the event virtually.
Birsa Munda’s Legacy Highlighted
Minister Kumawat said it is a matter of pride that the entire country is celebrating Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary. Many revolutionaries like Birsa Munda contributed significantly to India’s freedom struggle, he noted.
He said Birsa Munda raised his voice against injustice and led the tribal community with courage. He fought against social evils like addiction and waged a long struggle against the British.
The Minister added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, and the Central Government is running several schemes for the empowerment of tribal communities. These include initiatives for education, clean drinking water, electricity, and pucca houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.
He further stated that Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma is committed to tribal welfare. Significant work has been done in tribal areas on forest rights leases, roads, education, residential schools, and healthcare facilities. Mobile network connectivity is also being expanded in these regions.
Promotion of Tribal Arts and Culture
Minister Kumawat said that extensive efforts are being made to promote tribal arts and culture. He assured that the issues faced by the tribal community would be resolved and that the benefits of government schemes would reach every tribal family.
Social worker Anantaram Vishnoi said that Birsa Munda dedicated his entire life to social upliftment, and his ideals continue to guide society today.
Social worker Dilip Paliwal highlighted that Birsa Munda sacrificed his life for the country at just 25 years of age. His ideals, he said, will continue to inspire both tribal society and the general public.
Social worker Rajudas expressed pride in celebrating Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas and thanked Prime Minister Modi, while also drawing attention to local issues.
District Collector Smt. Tina Dabi, public representatives, and officials were present at the programme.
Minister Kumawat Visits Exhibition
During the programme, Minister Kumawat, along with District Collector Smt. Tina Dabi and other dignitaries, visited an exhibition set up at Bhagwan Mahavir Town Hall on the 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda.
The exhibition showcased Birsa Munda’s life and legacy, along with information on various Central and State government welfare schemes for tribal communities.
Stalls displaying handicraft products made by self-help groups were also set up. Minister Kumawat interacted with the women exhibitors and encouraged them.
A health camp for blood pressure and sugar testing was also organized by the Health Department.
Shobha Yatra Held in Barmer
To mark the 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, a grand procession (Shobha Yatra) was taken out from Ahimsa Circle to Bhagwan Mahavir Town Hall on Saturday afternoon.
Minister Kumawat flagged off the procession, which saw enthusiastic participation from a large number of women and local residents.
