JANJATIYA GAURAV DIVAS 2024

History


 14-Nov-2024
  • In 2021, the Central Government declared 15th November, the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, as National Tribal Pride Day.
  • The objective is to honor the contributions of Bhagwan Birsa Munda and other tribal freedom fighters.
  • Acknowledge their traditions and proud history.
  • This day serves as an important opportunity to:
  • Remember the struggles of the tribal society.
  • Recognize their significant contributions.
  • Indian Constitution regarding the protection of Scheduled Tribes:
    • Article 46 provides for the promotion of the educational and economic interests of Scheduled Tribes and safeguards them against social injustice and all forms of exploitation.
    • Article 243: Includes provisions for the reservation of seats for Scheduled Tribes in Panchayats.
    • Article 330: Provides for the reservation of seats for Scheduled Tribes in the Lok Sabha.
    • Article 337: Provides for the reservation of seats for Scheduled Tribes in the State Legislatures.
    • Article 342: According to this provision, the President, after consulting the Governor of the respective state (in the case of a state), may list the communities that will be deemed Scheduled Tribes for that purpose through a public notification. However, Scheduled Tribes are not explicitly defined in the Constitution.
    • Article 350: Provides the right to education in one’s mother tongue and the preservation of script and culture.
    • Article 371: Includes special provisions related to the northeastern states and Sikkim.

Initiatives Launched on ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas 2023’

  • PM Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM- JANMAN):
    • The 24,000-crore rupee scheme aims to benefit and saturate the families and habitations with basic facilities.
    • Under PM JANMAN, the government will reach out to tribal groups and primitive tribes most of whom still dwell in the forests.
    • This will protect the tribes on the verge of extinction and nurture them.
  • Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra: A nationwide programme to reach out to all villages and include those eligible for various central schemes.
  • PM Kisan Scheme: PM also released Rs 18,000 crore as the 15th installment of PM Kisan scheme for over 8 crore farmers across the country.

About Bhagwan Birsa Munda 

  • Born: 15th November 1875, in Ulihatu village, Jharkhand, in a simple Munda family.
  • Early Struggles: Faced economic hardships from a young age; experienced social inequality and oppression.
  • Role in Freedom Struggle:
    • Led the Ulgulan (tribal rebellion) against British colonial rule.
    • Fought against British-imposed land policies, forced conversions, and laws interfering with tribal traditions.
  • Social Reformer:
    • Spread awareness against superstitions, caste discrimination, alcoholism, and other social evils within tribal society.
    • Emphasized the importance of education and unity among his followers.
  • Religious Movement: Initiated the Birsite movement, promoting purity, simplicity, and adherence to truth.
  • Contribution to Indian Independence:
    • His leadership and sacrifice gave new direction to the Indian freedom struggle.
    • Inspired other tribal communities to actively participate in the freedom movement.