New Delhi, June 9 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid homage to tribal freedom fighter and social reformer Birsa Munda and said that the saga of his supreme sacrifice for the motherland will continue to inspire a spirit of patriotism in every generation of the country.

Birsa Munda is revered as one of India’s most prominent tribal leaders and freedom fighters. Born in 1875 in present-day Jharkhand, he led the historic Ulgulan, or ‘Great Tumult’, against British colonial rule and the exploitative land policies imposed on tribal communities.

PM Modi took to social media ‘X’ and said, “A million salutations to ‘Dharti Aaba’ Bhagwan Birsa Munda on his martyrdom day. He fought against foreign rule with indomitable courage to protect water, forests, and land.”

“His entire life was dedicated to safeguarding the self-respect, culture, and rights of the tribal community. The saga of his supreme sacrifice for the motherland will continue to inspire a spirit of patriotism in every generation of the country,” he said.

Through his movement, Birsa Munda mobilised thousands of tribal people to fight for their rights, identity and traditional land ownership. Although his movement was centred in the Chotanagpur region, Birsa Munda’s legacy resonates strongly across several states, including Assam, which is home to a large tribal population and a significant number of tea tribe communities whose ancestors migrated from the Chotanagpur plateau during the colonial era.

Many members of Assam’s tea garden community trace their roots to regions associated with Birsa Munda’s struggle and continue to regard him as a symbol of resistance, dignity and empowerment. His contributions to the cause of tribal rights have received increasing recognition in recent years.

The Union government has designated November 15, Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary, as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas to honour the contributions of tribal freedom fighters and celebrate India’s rich tribal heritage.

Birsa Munda died in British custody on June 9, 1900, at the age of 25, but his legacy continues to inspire generations across the country.

–IANS

jk/dpb