By Chandan Singh | Page 3 News Worldwide | New Delhi
Grand Deepotsav at Baansera Park Marks Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas; Ravinder Indraj Singh Calls for Tribal Empowerment and Protection of Rights
NEW DELHI: The Delhi Government organised a grand Deepotsav and tribute ceremony at Baansera Park, Sarai Kale Khan, on Saturday to commemorate the 151st birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda and mark Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas. Delhi Cabinet Minister for Social Welfare and SC/ST/OBC Welfare, Ravinder Indraj Singh, paid floral tributes to the legendary tribal freedom fighter and lit the ceremonial lamp, honouring his supreme sacrifice and contribution to India’s freedom struggle.
Addressing the gathering, Singh said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership had given national recognition to the sacrifices, struggles and contributions of great tribal icons, particularly Bhagwan Birsa Munda. He described the observance of November 15 as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, introduced in 2021 under the Prime Minister’s leadership, as a historic initiative to recognise the legacy, culture and nation-building contributions of tribal communities.
The Minister highlighted that Birsa Munda was much more than a freedom fighter; he was a powerful symbol of tribal identity, self-respect and the struggle for rights. He sacrificed his life at the age of just 25 while fighting British colonial rule and standing up for the rights of exploited and marginalised communities.
Recalling Birsa Munda’s enduring legacy, Singh said his courage, patriotism, social consciousness and commitment to justice continue to inspire the younger generation. He added that the observance of 2024–25 as Janjatiya Gaurav Year to mark the 150th birth anniversary of the tribal icon had further strengthened nationwide awareness of tribal history and heritage.
Highlighting Delhi’s cultural diversity, the Minister said the national capital was home to people from different tribal communities whose traditions and cultural heritage enriched its social fabric. He noted that the Delhi Government, under Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, was committed to preserving India’s cultural traditions and honouring its national icons through large-scale commemorative programmes.
Singh said that events such as the Deepotsav reflected the government’s commitment to giving due recognition to India’s cultural and historical heritage. He also called upon citizens and tribal representatives to draw inspiration from Birsa Munda’s life and uphold the values of patriotism, social harmony and service to society.
Emphasising the importance of inclusive development, the Minister said that respecting tribal communities, protecting their constitutional and social rights, and ensuring access to education, healthcare and economic opportunities are the truest ways to honour Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s ideals.
The event witnessed participation from tribal community representatives, office-bearers of the BJP Scheduled Tribe Morcha and Yuva Morcha, and a large number of citizens. Deepotsav celebrations and cultural performances marked the occasion, paying a heartfelt tribute to one of India’s most revered tribal freedom fighters.
