In News:

On November 15, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a commemorative stamp and coin to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, a prominent tribal freedom fighter and leader from Jharkhand.

Key Points about Birsa Munda:

• Iconic Tribal Leader: Birsa Munda, born in 1875, is often referred to as ‘Bhagwan’ (God) and ‘DhartiAaba’ (Father of the Earth) by the tribal communities. He is celebrated for his leadership in the fight against the exploitation of tribal people by both the British and non-tribal settlers.
• Ulgulan Movement: Birsa Munda led the Ulgulan (Great Tumult) against the alienation of land, forced labour, and the illegal appropriation of tribal land in the Chotanagpur Plateau. His efforts were critical in mobilizing tribal communities and challenging the colonial order.
• Religious and Social Reformer: He founded the Birsait faith, focusing on spiritual practices that emphasized prayer, worship of God, and abstaining from alcohol, fostering unity and resilience among tribal communities.
• Death and Legacy: Birsa Munda died in 1900 in British custody at the young age of 25. Despite his early death, his legacy lives on as a symbol of tribal pride and resistance.
• Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas: Since 2021, the Government of India observes November 15 as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas (Tribal Pride Day) in honor of Birsa Munda's birth anniversary, recognizing the contributions of tribal communities and their role in India's history.
• Highlights of the 2024 Commemoration:
  • Commemorative Stamp and Coin: To mark the 150th birth anniversary, the Prime Minister unveiled a commemorative stamp and coin in Bihar's Jamui district. This serves as a tribute to Munda's sacrifices for the country.
  • Year-Long Celebrations: The 2024 event marks the beginning of year-long celebrations to commemorate Birsa Munda’s legacy, with a focus on tribal welfare and recognition of their historical contributions.
  • Welfare Projects and Initiatives:
    • Prime Minister Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation for tribal welfare projects worth over ?6,640 crore.
    • The PM launched two tribal freedom fighter museums and tribal research institutes.
    • 1.16 lakh homes were sanctioned under the Dharti Aba Janjati Gram Utkarsh Yojana.
    • 25,000 homes for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) were approved under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) scheme.
  • The launch of 50 mobile medical units aims to improve healthcare access in tribal regions.
  • 10 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) were inaugurated to promote education for tribal students.
• DhartiAabaJanjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan:
  • The DhartiAabaJanjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan aims to address gaps in social infrastructure, health, education, and livelihood in tribal-majority villages.
  • The initiative is being implemented across 63,000 villages with the involvement of 17 ministries and departments.
• PM-JANMAN Scheme for PVTGs:
  • Launched in November 2023, the PM-JANMAN initiative aims to uplift Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) through various interventions like safe housing, clean drinking water, healthcare, education, and sustainable livelihoods. The scheme also supports Van Dhan Vikas Kendras for the trade of forest produce and solar-powered systems for households in tribal areas.