Context

• Every period of history has given rise to extraordinary individuals who have shaped their society and the spirit of their homeland.
• Among these figures, some shine like the stars in the Saptarshi constellation, continuing to guide future generations and one such figure in India’s history is Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
• As India celebrates his 150th birth anniversary, it is essential to reflect on his life, his contributions, and the ongoing impact of his legacy on Indian society.

Early Life of Birsa Munda and His Rise Against British Oppression

• Early Life
  • Born in 1875 in Ulihatu, a village in present-day Jharkhand, Birsa Munda grew up in an era marked by British exploitation and oppression, especially targeting tribal communities.
  • Colonial authorities and local landlords imposed harsh conditions on tribal populations, seizing their lands and denying them basic rights.
  • Like Mahatma Gandhi, Birsa Munda’s ideals were deeply rooted in the principles of truth and justice, as he inspired his people to resist injustice with unity and resilience.
• Ulgulan: A Fight for Justice and Cultural Identity
  • Birsa Munda, only in his twenties, responded with courage and fervor. Known as Dharti Aba or the Father of the Earth, he organized the Ulgulan, or the Munda Rebellion, against this exploitation.
  • His movement was a fight not only for justice but also for the preservation of tribal identity and cultural values.
  • While the Ulgulan marked a historical struggle against oppression, it also highlighted the cultural resilience of the tribal communities.
  • His philosophy went beyond immediate political freedom; it was a statement of cultural identity, a reaffirmation of the values and traditions that shaped tribal life.
  • His ideals continue to resonate as his legacy reminds the nation of the importance of preserving indigenous knowledge, customs, and values in a modernising world.
• Compassionate Leader and Healer
  • In addition to his role as a revolutionary, Birsa Munda was also revered as a healer and spiritual leader.
  • Trained in the art of healing, he dedicated himself to caring for the sick and stories of his compassion spread, as he travelled from village to village, offering his healing touch to those in need.
  • This dedication to service further endeared him to his community, reinforcing his image as a protector and a caregiver, embodying the very essence of leadership based on empathy and solidarity.

Renewed Recognition of Birsa Munda’s Contribution and Lessons for Modern Society

• Renewed Recognition of Tribal Heroes
  • For many years, Birsa Munda’s contributions remained under recognised in mainstream historical narratives.
  • Yet, as the nation celebrates Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, or the 75th anniversary of India’s independence, there is a renewed appreciation for heroes like Birsa Munda, whose sacrifices contributed to India’s journey toward freedom.
  • In 2021, the Indian government declared November 15 as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas to honour the contributions of tribal freedom fighters.
  • This commemoration brings the rich history of tribal resistance to the forefront, acknowledging the critical role of tribal leaders like Birsa Munda in shaping India’s history.
• Lessons for Modern Society
  • Today, Birsa Munda’s legacy offers powerful lessons for modern society.
  • His vision of harmonious living with nature reflects the sustainable values deeply embedded in tribal societies.
  • Birsa Munda’s life reminds us that tribal societies have long valued collective welfare over individual gain, an ethos that modern society can learn from in its quest for sustainable development. 

Government of India’s Efforts to Uplift the Tribal Community

• Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan
  • As one of the prominent initiatives, it seeks to enhance the quality of life in nearly 63,000 tribal villages.
  • The program focuses on improving social infrastructure such as education, healthcare, water supply, sanitation, and connectivity.
  • This initiative acknowledges that tribal villages often face systemic neglect, and it aims to create an equitable environment where basic amenities are accessible to all.
• Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN)
  • Another significant program, the PM-JANMAN identifies 11 critical interventions to make welfare initiatives more effective for Scheduled Tribes (ST).
  • These interventions span diverse areas, including health, education, housing, employment, and financial inclusion.
  • By focusing on these priority sectors, the government seeks to empower tribal communities to overcome socio-economic barriers and build self-reliance.
• Van Dhan Yojna
  • In addition, the government has introduced skill development and employment generation schemes tailored for tribal youth.
  • Programs such as the Van Dhan Yojana focus on enhancing the value of forest produce, which forms the economic backbone of many tribal families.
  • This initiative not only provides a sustainable livelihood but also promotes entrepreneurship by encouraging the formation of tribal producer groups.
• Janjatiya Darpan Gallery and Janjatiya Gaurav Divas
  • Efforts to preserve and promote tribal culture and history have also gained prominence.
  • The creation of the Janjatiya Darpan Gallery at Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum is a significant step in this direction.
  • This gallery showcases the art, traditions, and contributions of tribal communities to nation-building.
  • Similarly, the celebration of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas on Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary is a symbolic acknowledgment of tribal heroes who have long been underrepresented in mainstream narratives.
• Education-Focused Programs
  • Furthermore, the government has launched education-focused programs to ensure that tribal children have access to quality schooling.
  • Residential schools, scholarships, and digital literacy initiatives are being rolled out in tribal areas to bridge the education gap.
  • The focus is also on ensuring gender equity in education, empowering tribal women to contribute to and benefit from these reforms.
• Healthcare Related Programs
  • Healthcare has been another area of emphasis, with the government addressing the unique health challenges faced by tribal populations.
  • Programs targeting malnutrition, maternal health, and access to basic medical facilities are being expanded in tribal regions.
  • Specialised initiatives for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), who often live in remote and challenging terrains, aim to bring them within the ambit of health and welfare schemes.

Conclusion

• Birsa Munda’s legacy calls upon us to strive for a just and compassionate society that values cultural heritage, collective welfare, and sustainable harmony with nature.
• As India continues to honour his contributions and those of countless other tribal leaders, the nation reaffirms its commitment to preserving the diverse cultural fabric that defines India.
• In embracing the lessons of Birsa Munda’s life, India moves closer to a vision of inclusive development, where every community, including the historically marginalised, is a celebrated part of the national narrative.