The article details the historical significance of Birsa Munda, a tribal leader from Chotanagpur, who approximately 125 years ago led the Ulgulan, or Great Tumult. This movement advocated for tribal rights to water, forest, and land, aligning with earlier instances of tribal resistance in India. Munda is widely revered as Dharti Aaba, or Father of the Earth.
In contemporary times, the Indian government has formally recognized Birsa Munda's contributions. In 2021, November 15, his birth anniversary, was declared Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas (National Tribal Pride Day) to honor tribal freedom fighters. Further, to commemorate 150 years of Birsa Munda, the period from November 15, 2024, to November 15, 2025, has been designated Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh. This year-long initiative celebrates India's tribal community, which encompasses over 700 tribes and approximately 10 crore individuals, highlighting their integral cultural, linguistic, and knowledge systems, and promoting their integration with national pride.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/remembering-birsha-mundas-spirit-from-ulgulan-to-tribal-assertion-10361376/