Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Jamui district in Bihar on Friday, marking the 150th birth anniversary of tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda. Celebrated as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, the occasion saw the launch of several development projects worth ₹6,640 crore, aimed at uplifting tribal communities across India.

During the event, PM Modi unveiled a commemorative coin and postal stamp to honour Munda’s legacy. Known for his pivotal role in India’s tribal freedom struggle, Birsa Munda is remembered as an iconic leader who fought for the rights and dignity of tribal communities.

PM Modi participated virtually in the Grih Pravesh ceremony for 11,000 houses built under the PM Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN), aimed at providing dignified living conditions for tribal families. Additionally, the foundation stones were laid for 25,000 houses under PM-JANMAN, 1.16 lakh houses under the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA), and 370 hostels for tribal students. Further, 500 km of new roads and 100 multi-purpose community centres were announced to improve connectivity and serve as community hubs in tribal regions.

To enhance healthcare in remote tribal areas, PM Modi launched 23 Mobile Medical Units (MMUs) under PM-JANMAN and 30 MMUs under DAJGUA, significantly strengthening healthcare accessibility.

The Prime Minister inaugurated 10 Eklavya Model Residential Schools, aimed at providing quality education to tribal children. Additionally, 300 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras were introduced to promote tribal entrepreneurship and improve livelihoods.

To preserve and celebrate tribal heritage, PM Modi inaugurated two Tribal Freedom Fighters’ Museums in Chhindwara and Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh) and two Tribal Research Institutes in Srinagar and Gangtok. These institutions will document tribal history and culture for future generations.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah unveiled a grand statue of Birsa Munda in New Delhi, marking his 150th birth anniversary. Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced renaming Sarai Kale Khan Chowk as Bhagwan Birsa Munda Chowk. “This will inspire not only Delhi’s citizens but also visitors to the ISBT bus stand,” he said.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi emphasised the day’s significance, “The aim behind Janjatiya Gaurav Divas is to inform future generations about the sacrifices of Birsa Munda.”

Tripura also marked the occasion by celebrating Janajati Gourav Divas. The state organised events honouring the contributions of Birsa Munda and highlighting his efforts in inspiring tribal communities to fight for their rights and freedom.

Birsa Munda, born in the Chotanagpur Plateau, led the tribal rebellion known as Ulgulan against British rule, fighting against land grabbing and bonded labour. Revered as Dharti Aba or the Father of the Earth, he inspired his community to reclaim their rights and dignity. He founded the faith of Birsait, blending indigenous beliefs with monotheism.

Birsa Munda’s contributions earned him a place as a national hero. PM Modi highlighted, “Previous governments allocated only ₹28,000 crore for tribal development. Under our government, this has risen to ₹1,33,000 crore.”

in 2021, the Modi government declared November 15, Munda’s birth anniversary to be celebrated as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas to honour tribal heroes and their invaluable contributions to India’s history.