When India recalls its great freedom fighters, one name rises from the forests of Chotanagpur with enduring moral force — Bhagwan Birsa Munda, revered as Dharti Aaba, the Protector of the Land. More than a historical figure, he remains a living symbol of dignity, resistance, and tribal self-respect. His vision — that tribal identity must be protected, equality must be meaningful, and development must reach ordinary people with justice — continues to guide India's journey towards Viksit Bharat. Today, after twelve years of renewed national emphasis on inclusive development, those ideals are shaping policy, governance, and the aspirations of a new India.

Giving the legacy its rightful place

Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s legacy has long lived in the songs, stories, and collective memory of tribal communities across India. In 2021, the Hon'ble Prime Minister accorded this legacy national recognition by declaring 15th November, Birsa Munda's birth anniversary – as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas. The recognition deepened further with the observance of Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh from 15th November 2024 to 15th November 2025 to mark his 150th birth anniversary. During this period, more than 2 lakh events were organized, reaching over three crore citizens in a nationwide celebration of tribal pride, heritage.

Across the country, these celebrations reflected the richness and diversity of tribal life. From the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland and the Tribal Literary Festival in Kerala to the National Tribal Film Festival in Jharkhand and the Canoe Sprint Championship in Telangana, the events brought tribal culture, creativity, sport, and storytelling into the national spotlight. Together, they saw participation from more than 11 lakh tribal citizens representing distinct cultures and communities. They were declarations – that tribal heritage is a living, breathing force in shaping........

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