By UP CM Yogi Adityanath,
Since time immemorial, the Indian civilization has flourished under the guiding spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, a belief that the entire world is ‘one family’. The glory of this land isn’t just limited to its sprawling empires or legendary dynasties, but in its vast and manifold communities that have intuitively shaped their lives, dwelling in benevolent harmony with nature and faith. Among these, tribal societies represent the most ancient and heartfelt expression of the Indian soul, where profound reverence for Mother Earth and the pursuit of self-respect flow seamlessly together.
In this lustrous constellation of tribal luminaries, “Dharti Aaba” Birsa Munda Ji shines forth with unequalled brightness. Rekindling the very spirit of tribal consciousness in India, his name today stands as a shining emblem of tribal identity, dignity, and the struggle for freedom. The 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda Ji is a resounding celebration of his reverence, remembrance, and boundless resolve for the nation.
Born on November 15, 1875, in Ulihatu village of present-day Jharkhand, Birsa Munda Ji hailed from a humble farming family. Yet his vision and intellect were extraordinary. Educated at a German missionary school, he keenly observed the policies of the British rulers and Christian missionaries, recognising that their control extended not only over land but also over the enslaved spirit of the people. This insight sowed the primary seeds of awakening within him, eventually shaping him into a consummate and god-like leader, reformer, and spiritual guide to the masses.
“Dharti Aaba” Birsa Munda Ji dedicated his life to protecting the motherland and its vital resources like land, water, and forests. He not only fought against foreign domination, but also battled injustice, exploitation, and social inequalities with the same ferocity. The British, under the pretext of land acquisition, sought to seize the ancestral lands of the tribal community, leaving them alienated in their own homeland. At this juncture, Birsa Munda proclaimed, “This earth is our mother; no one can take it away.” With this clarion call, the Ulgulan, the great people’s revolution, erupted in 1899, a declaration of self-respect and freedom. Under his leadership, Munda warriors challenged British rule across Singhbhum, Khunti, Tamar, Sarwara, and Bandgaon.
Birsa Munda’s struggle was deeply rooted in the consciousness of religion, culture, and social reform. He called upon tribal society to reject superstition, hypocrisy, addiction, and social division, and to place labor, truth, and self-respect at the heart of his spiritual philosophy. For him, nature was sacred; earth, water, forests, and mountains were sacred objects of reverence.
He forewarned that a society that turns away from its land ceases to exist, a message that resonates powerfully even today in the era of environmental conservation and sustainable development.
When India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, declared November 15 as Tribal Pride Day, it was much more than a customary tribute to the great hero; it was the much-needed revival of a forgotten history that strengthens the nation’s soul. This honor recognises countless tribal leaders who, even while dwelling in the hardships of forests, mountains, and borderlands, kept the flame of freedom and self-respect alive and burning in their hearts. The declaration of 2025 as Tribal Pride Year continues this visionary approach, a vision in which development embraces not only economic growth but also cultural renaissance, dignity, and the celebration of self-respect.
The land of Uttar Pradesh is enriched by a vibrant and enduring legacy of tribal traditions. Communities such as Tharu, Gond, Kol, Buksa, Musahar, Chero, Saharia, Kharwar, and Vantangiya are integral to the state’s cultural fabric, known for their deep bond with nature, commitment to hard work, and dignified way of life.
Over the years, these communities have witnessed remarkable progress in education, awareness, and participation. The complete filling of Scheduled Tribe reserved posts in the recent police recruitment of 60,244 positions duly exemplifies this positive transformation.
The government remains steadfast in its resolve to ensure that every tribal family benefits from government schemes, achieving 100% saturation. Under a mission-mode approach, all major tribal communities have been comprehensively covered under welfare programs such as Housing, Electricity, Drinking Water, Pension, Ration, Ayushman Bharat, Ujjwala, Jan Dhan, Kisan Samman Nidhi, and Vishwakarma. As part of the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyay Maha Abhiyan, housing, a mobile medical unit, an Anganwadi center, and a Vandhan center have been established for the Buksa community in Bijnor.
The Dharti Aaba Janjati Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan has further strengthened these efforts by connecting 517 tribal-dominated villages across 26 districts to essential amenities and welfare services. Roads, bridges, electricity, drinking water, insurance, certificates, and financial inclusion initiatives are now a reality in these areas.
In the field of education, the establishment of Ashram Vidyalayas, Eklavya Model Residential Schools, hostels, and scholarship schemes has opened new avenues for tribal youth. Land rights certificates have been distributed to over 23,000 tribal families under the Forest Rights Act, fostering a sense of dignity and security. The rehabilitation of the Vantangiya community in Gorakhpur and Maharajganj, granting them revenue village status, voting rights, and full access to basic amenities, stands as a powerful example of inclusive governance. The life of Birsa Munda Ji teaches that true Swaraj is not merely a political change, but the empowerment of a society’s self-confidence.
He showed that a nation grows in strength when its people remain connected to their values, traditions, and culture. Guided by the same principle, the government strives to ensure respect for every individual, opportunity for every community, and prosperity for every region. This vision of Antyodaya, a step towards Sarvodaya, mirrors the life of “Dharti Aaba” and is reflected today in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas.”
Dharti Aaba Birsa Munda Ji is an eternal symbol of a proud and indomitable Indian identity, whose life reminds us that the flame of struggle endures as long as a society remains rooted in its culture.
His journey exemplifies the power of truth, self-respect, and determination, showing that even ordinary individuals can achieve extraordinary things and shape history. On his 150th birth anniversary, let us pledge to ensure that every tribal community in India thrives with dignity, education, opportunity, and self-respect. After all, true development is only possible when every member of society participates in the nation’s progress.
My heartfelt tributes to “Dharti Aaba,” Birsa Munda Ji.
Jai Johar!
(The author is the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh)
