Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar paid his respects to the revered figure, Lord Birsa Munda, on his 125th death anniversary. The Governor visited the samadhi sthal (memorial) of the legendary leader at Kokar and offered floral tributes. During the ceremony, Governor Gangwar acknowledged the immense contributions of Lord Birsa Munda, stating that his life continues to inspire. He emphasized that the courage, struggle, and dedication to the motherland displayed by the ‘Dharti Aba’ serve as a source of motivation for everyone to be resolute in their duties.
Prior to this, the Governor also paid his respects at the Raj Bhavan, where he garlanded the statue of Lord Birsa Munda. The Additional Chief Secretary to the Governor, Dr. Nitin Kulkarni, along with other officials and staff of Raj Bhavan, also offered flowers at the statue. Further, the Governor laid a wreath at the statue of Lord Birsa Munda at Birsa Chowk in the city, paying homage and respect.
Birsa Munda, born on November 15, 1875, in Ulihatu village of Khunti, Jharkhand, was known as Dharti Aba (Father of the Earth). He was a prominent tribal freedom fighter of India. He spearheaded a revolt against the British and raised awareness among the tribals about their rights, earning him the title of ‘Bhagwan’ (God).
Lord Birsa Munda led the historic ‘Ulgulan’ (The Great Tumult) against British colonial rule and social injustice in the late 19th century. His efforts compelled the British government to introduce reforms in tribal areas, and he played a crucial role in the implementation of the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act. He died under suspicious circumstances in Ranchi jail on June 9, 1900. However, the legacy of Lord Birsa Munda continues to inspire tribal communities, and his ideas remain relevant today.
