In news

The Modi government has announced that Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary – November 15 – will be celebrated as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas this year onwards.

Details

• The Prime Minister also inaugurated the Bhagwan Birsa Munda Memorial Udyan cum Freedom Fighter Museum at Ranchi, Jharkhand.
• The government also instituted the ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas’ to commemorate the achievements and contributions of the various tribal freedom fighters from India.
• This day will be observed on November 15, the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda.
• The state Jharkhand was brought into existence by the Bihar reorganization Act on 15th November, 2000 - the birth anniversary of the legendary Bhagwan Birsa Munda.

Schemes launched on the occasion for the Janjatiya community

• Ration Aapke Gram: It is a door-to-door ration delivery scheme under which ration will be provided to the tribal community at the village level at a reasonable price. The people can avoid going to the Panchayat HQ to get their rations.
• Madhya Pradesh Sickle Cell Mission: ‘Madhya Pradesh Sickle Cell (Hemoglobinopathy) Mission’ aims at spreading awareness among people about genetic disorders such as Sickle Cell Anaemia. The initiative aims at screening and managing patients suffering from sickle cell anaemia, thalassemia and other hemoglobinopathies. Genetic counselling cards were given to beneficiaries under the scheme.
• Sickle Cell Anaemia: Sickle cell anaemia is a common genetic blood illness that affects a
  person’s normal development.It can become fatal if not diagnosed early.It is a genetic disorder. Madhya Pradesh has the highest burden of sickle cell anaemia in India

Birsa Munda

• Several movements by tribal communities such as Santhals, Tamars, Kols, Bhils, Khasis and Mizos to name a few strengthened India’s freedom struggle.
• Tribal movements in different regions of the country against the British colonial rule got linked with the national freedom struggle and inspired Indians all over the country.
• One of those tribal leaders was Birsa Munda, often revered as ‘Bhagwan’ by tribal communities across the country.
• Born in the tribal belt of the undivided Bihar in 1875, Birsa Munda rallied tribals against the British colonial rule and conversion activities and died in 1900 in Ranchi jail.
• Birsa Munda fought bravely against the exploitative system of the British colonial government and spearheaded the movement against British oppression giving a call for ‘Ulgulan’ (Revolution).
• Munda led the tribals essentially to prevent land grabbing by the non-tribals ending them up as bonded labourers in their land.
• Though he lived for only 25 years, he awakened the tribal mindset and mobilised them in the little town of Chhotnagpur and was a terror for the British Rulers. He was also called ‘Dharti Abba’.