Jharkhand Leaders Pay Tribute to Birsa Munda on 126th Death Anniversary
PNS
Ranchi
Floral tributes were paid to tribal icon Birsa Munda on his 126th death anniversary on Friday, with leaders and citizens gathering at his memorial in Lalpur and the statue at Birsa Chowk in the state capital.
Jharkhand Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar and Chief Minister Hemant Soren, accompanied by his wife and MLA Kalpana Soren, jointly offered flowers at the statue of Birsa Munda. The leaders stood in solemn silence for a few moments, paying homage to the revered tribal freedom fighter.
The event witnessed tight security arrangements, with a large number of party workers and members of the public in attendance.
Paying tribute, Governor Gangwar described Birsa Munda as an enduring source of inspiration for the tribal community and a महानायक of India’s freedom struggle. He said that Birsa’s ideology remains relevant even today in the protection of “jal, jungle and zameen” (water, forest, and land), and reaffirmed the commitment to the state’s inclusive development by following his ideals.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren said, “Dharti Aaba Birsa Munda symbolises our struggle and identity. It is because of his sacrifices that our voice has grown stronger today. On his death anniversary, we must resolve to work towards building the Jharkhand of his dreams.”
About Birsa Munda
Birsa Munda, fondly known as “Dharti Aaba,” was born on November 15, 1875, in Ulihatu village in present-day Khunti district. He led the historic Ulgulan (rebellion) against British rule and the exploitative zamindari system, emerging as one of the foremost tribal leaders in India’s freedom movement.
He died at the age of 25 on June 9, 1900, in Ranchi jail. Revered as a divine figure by the tribal community, his death anniversary is observed every year across Jharkhand as a mark of respect and remembrance.
