Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage on X, recalling Birsa Munda's extraordinary contribution to protecting the honour of the motherland

Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas: PM Modi Marks Birsa Munda’s 150th Birth Anniversary With Major Tribal Development Initiative in Gujarat

India celebrated Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas on Saturday, marking the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, the legendary tribal freedom fighter who led a powerful resistance against British rule. The whole nation paid tribute to the iconic leader, known as “Dharti Aaba”, whose legacy continues to inspire tribal communities and the nation at large.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage on X, recalling Birsa Munda’s extraordinary contribution to protecting the honour of the motherland. “His struggle and sacrifice will inspire every generation,” he wrote, as the country observed the milestone birth anniversary with national programmes and cultural events.

As part of the celebrations, the Prime Minister visited “Devmogra Temple” in Gujarat’s Narmada district, a revered site for tribal communities. He later addressed a massive gathering in “Dediapada”, where the central Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas programme was held this year. The event also featured traditional performances and exhibitions showcasing tribal heritage.

On this occasion, PM Modi “inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth over INR 9,700 crore”, aimed at accelerating growth in tribal-dominated regions of Gujarat and other states. The projects, jointly funded by the Centre and the Gujarat government, span infrastructure, housing, education, health, heritage and connectivity.

A major highlight was the “Grih Pravesh of 1 lakh tribal homes” under PM-JANMAN and DA-JAGUA, supporting vulnerable tribal families with secure housing. The Prime Minister also inaugurated “42 Eklavya Model Residential Schools” worth INR 1,900 crore, along with “228 Multi-Purpose Centres” to strengthen community-led activities.

To boost connectivity, he flagged off “250 new buses” for 14 tribal districts and laid the foundation stone for “748 km of new rural roads”. He also announced “14 Tribal Multi-Marketing Centres”, a Tribal Research Institute building in Manipur and a Centre of Competence at Assam Medical College.

With national celebrations, cultural tributes, and large-scale welfare initiatives, this year’s Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas not only honoured Birsa Munda’s legacy but also highlighted a renewed push toward tribal empowerment across India.