New Delhi: India observes Janajatiya Gaurav Divas on November 15 to honour the birth anniversary of tribal leader and freedom fighter Bhagavan Birsa Munda. The day also celebrates the contributions and rich cultural heritage of India’s tribal communities, which have often been overlooked. In 2024, on the 150th anniversary of Munda’s birth, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched development projects worth Rs. 6,640 crore. He visited Bihar, particularly Jamui, to unveil a commemorative coin and postage stamp in Munda’s honour.
Modi’s connection with India’s tribal communities is evident in his respect for their culture. From sharing tea with them to celebrating their festivals and wearing traditional attire, Modi has fostered a unique bond. Unlike previous leaders, he has consistently supported tribal communities’ development, bringing their leaders, stories and art into the mainstream. Over the last decade, recognition of tribal culture has greatly increased through many initiatives and schemes.
Narendra Modi’s early years were marked by extensive travels on foot, bicycle, and motorcycle through remote tribal areas. Today, as we mark #JanjatiyaGauravDiwas, we reflect on the many experiences that helped him understand the struggles of tribal communities first hand and… pic.twitter.com/OGoSUYUldK
— Modi Archive (@modiarchive) November 15, 2024
PM Modi’s life connect with tribals
In his early years, PM Modi travelled extensively by foot, bicycle and motorcycle through remote tribal areas. These experiences gave him first-hand insight into the problems tribal communities face and inspired his commitment to promoting their inclusive growth.
During a village visit, PM Modi was offered a meal by a host. Noticing a child’s hunger for the milk served to him, Modi left it untouched. The child’s eagerness moved Modi, revealing the harsh reality of poverty.In a 1985 speech, PM Modi questioned why resource-rich India continued facing poverty and underdevelopment after 38 years of independence, urging introspection and action to address the challenges faced by tribal and marginalized communities.
Tribute to tribal freedom fighters
The Modi government has honoured tribal freedom fighters like Birsa Munda, Rani Kamalapati and Veer Durgavati and recognised historic movements such as the Khasi-Garo, Mizo and Kol rebellions. Railway stations were renamed and museums like the Bhagwan Birsa Munda Museum in Ranchi have been established to commemorate these legacies across India.
Expanding tribal exports
India’s tribal products are gaining global recognition, with Araku Coffee opening its first organic café in Paris in 2017 and Chhattisgarh’s dehydrated mohua flowers entering markets like France. Items such as shawls, paintings, woodwork, jewellery and baskets are popular in the US, supported by TRIFED and e-commerce partnerships.
