Birsa Munda a symbol of tribal pride and identity: Yathindra

Participants performing a traditional dance on the occasion of the 151st birth anniversary celebrations of Birsa Munda in Mysuru on Sunday.

Mysuru district in-charge Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah on Sunday said Birsa Munda was not merely a freedom fighter, but a symbol of the self-respect and identity of India’s tribal communities.

He was speaking after inaugurating the 151st birth anniversary celebrations of Bhagwan Birsa Munda at the Convocation Hall of Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) here. The programme was jointly organised by the Karnataka State Tribal Research Institute, the district administration, Zilla Panchayat and the Department of Scheduled Tribes Welfare.

Born on November 15, 1875, in present-day Jharkhand, Birsa Munda raised the banner of revolt against British colonial rule at a young age. He mobilised tribal communities against British exploitation, the violation of their traditional rights, social injustice and cultural oppression, Mr. Yathindra said.

His call to protect their land, culture, heritage and self-respect remained relevant even today. Though he died young, his courage and ideals continued to inspire millions, the Minister said.

Stressing the need to ensure that government benefits reached the most marginalised tribal families instead of being cornered by influential sections, he said a separate corporation for tribal communities was necessary.

He also urged members of tribal communities to prioritise education and ensure that their children pursued higher studies, recalling Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s emphasis on education as the foundation for social progress.

H.D. Kote MLA Anil Chikkamadu urged the State government to officially celebrate Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary across Karnataka on the lines of other prominent personalities. He also sought government support for installing a statue of Birsa Munda and providing better basic amenities and welfare benefits to tribal communities living in Mysuru, Chamarajanagar and Kodagu districts.

Chamaraja MLA K. Harish Gowda said Birsa Munda had waged an unwavering struggle for the country’s freedom and the rights of tribal communities during his brief life of 25 years. His contribution to protecting tribal land and culture against British oppression would never be forgotten, he said.

Students from Chamarajanagar, Haveri, Chikkamagaluru and Mysuru districts who secured high marks in the SSLC examination and excelled in sports were felicitated.