125th Martyrdom Anniversary of Birsa Munda: Honouring a Legendary Tribal Freedom Fighter
This year holds special significance in the remembrance of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, the iconic tribal leader who fought valiantly for the rights of Adivasis over jal, jungle, and zameen (water, forest, and land). Today marks the 125th anniversary of his martyrdom, while 15 November will commemorate 150 years since his birth.
For decades, the legacy of Birsa Munda remained underrepresented in mainstream historical narratives. However, in recent years, he has been rightfully acknowledged as one of the greatest tribal leaders and freedom fighters of all time. His movement, known as Ulgulan (The Great Tumult), which took place between 1895 and 1900, is now recognized as an integral part of the Indian freedom struggle.
His birthplace, Ulihatu, in present-day Jharkhand, has gained national recognition. In honour of his contributions, 15 November is celebrated across the country as Tribal Pride Day (Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas).
A statue of Bhagwan Birsa Munda has been installed in the Indian Parliament, symbolizing national respect for his heroic efforts. President Droupadi Murmu visited Ulihatu on 15 November 2022, followed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 15 November 2023, both paying tribute to the revered tribal icon.
Today, his statues can be found not only across Jharkhand but also in various other states, standing as enduring symbols of resistance, identity, and pride for tribal communities across India.