Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], November 15 (ANI): The 151st birth anniversary of India's great tribal freedom fighter, Bhagwan Birsa Munda, is being celebrated as 'Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas'. As part of the celebrations, a grand event was organised today in Valsad district, which was inaugurated by Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi by offering floral tributes and garlanding the statue of Bhagwan Birsa Munda at Nanapondha Circle.
According to a press release issued by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), a grand rally was organised from Nanapondha Circle to the main programme venue at the Helipad Ground. A large number of tribal communities participated in the rally, which showcased traditional tribal culture through folk dances and musical instruments, and the entire atmosphere resonated with the spirit of tribal identity and pride. During the rally, the Deputy Chief Minister also joined the tribal dance.
A large number of local citizens, leaders of the tribal community and office-bearers were present at the rally.
Beginning his speech with the slogan 'Jai Johar', the Deputy Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bhagwan Birsa Munda's birth anniversary was declared 'Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas' and is now celebrated across the country. Today, this day has become a matter of pride for every community in India.
Highlighting that the sacrifice and culture of the tribal community are an invaluable part of the nation's heritage, the Deputy Chief Minister appreciated the community's contribution to India's freedom struggle and said that the tribal community not only protected the land but also shed its blood for the country's independence. He paid tribute to freedom fighters such as Govind Guru of Mangadh, Roopsinh Nayak, Motilal Tejawat and Darshaniben Chaudhary. He stated that the eastern belt comprising 14 tribal districts, stretching from Banaskantha to Dang, the Chitra-Vichitra fair of Shamlaji, the Kawant fair, Dang Darbar and traditional nutritious delicacies such as nagli rotla, umbadiyu, bamboo pickle and urad dal reflect our vibrant culture and inseparable connection with nature.
Elaborating on the state government's public welfare initiatives, DyCM Sanghavi stated that under the Forest Rights Act, ownership rights over more than 74,000 hectares of land have been granted to over one lakh tribal families in Gujarat. On this auspicious day, the government led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has brought the light of Diwali into the homes of more than 18,000 beneficiaries in a single day by distributing Forest Rights Certificates and Records of Rights.
In his address, DyCM strongly criticised the previous Congress governments, stating that despite ruling the country for 50-55 years after independence, they failed to fulfil the aspirations of the tribal community. Until 2001, more than 25 villages lacked electricity, while over 50 villages in areas such as Dharampur had no basic facilities like water and roads. He said that previous governments treated the tribal community merely as a 'vote bank', did not provide Forest Rights Certificates, and never remembered Bhagwan Birsa Munda. It was only the BJP government led by Narendra Modi that started celebrating Bhagwan Birsa Munda's birth anniversary and established a separate ministry for tribal welfare.
Presenting figures highlighting the development journey initiated in tribal areas since Narendra Modi became the Chief Minister of Gujarat in 2001, he stated that the number of Eklavya Model Residential Schools, which previously stood at just seven in tribal areas, has now increased to 57. In addition, 43 new Girls' Literacy Residential Schools, more than 12 Model Day Schools, 78 new Adarsh Residential Schools, 665 Ashram Schools and 22,500 smart classrooms have been established. The number of ITIs has increased from 31 to 78, while the number of seats has risen from 5,000 to 26,000.
As per the release, earlier, there were only two medical colleges in tribal areas, whereas today 12 medical colleges are operational, and MBBS seats have increased from 220 to 2,050. Sickle Cell Anaemia screening has been conducted for more than one crore citizens, while tribal families have received healthcare assistance worth Rs 1,764 crore under the Ayushman Bharat Card scheme over the past two years. Additionally, around 336 emergency 108 ambulance services are operational in the region.
Concluding his address, DyCM expressed confidence that as a result of these facilities provided by the government, tribal youth are today becoming pilots, Collectors, SPs, doctors and engineers, making their mark in leading companies abroad.
Valsad District Panchayat President Hetal Patel stated that under the leadership of the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister, the Central and State Governments are working to give tribal culture and traditions recognition at the global level. She said that tribal culture is an important part of India's heritage. She also urged everyone to support government initiatives in areas such as tree plantation, education and healthcare and work together to take the nation forward on the global stage.
Kaprada MLA Jitu Chaudhary paid tribute to the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. He stated that this great revolutionary, who fought against British rule and sacrificed his life for the nation and the tribal community at the young age of just 25, had been forgotten by previous governments.
Dharampur MLA Arvind Patel highlighted the significance of the life and legacy of Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
Harsh Sanghavi performed the e-bhoomipujan and e-inauguration of 93 works worth Rs 6.82 crore and 381 works worth Rs 41.49 crore under various government schemes. Assistance was distributed to beneficiaries of different schemes. Individuals who had achieved outstanding accomplishments and sportspersons were also felicitated.
A total of 34 artists from Dang and Navsari districts presented Dangi and traditional tribal dances, representing the identity and pride of tribal culture, captivating the audience. (ANI)
Gujarat Dy CM Harsh Sanghavi inaugurates 'Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas' programme on 151st birth anniversary of Birsa Munda
