New Delhi, Nov 2 (NationPress) The two-week-long “Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh Pakhwada” has commenced with nationwide festivities aimed at showcasing the advancements achieved through significant initiatives like PM JANMAN, Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan, and various livelihood and entrepreneurship programs, as reported by an official on Sunday.

The celebrations kicked off on Saturday across the nation, driven by the collaborative efforts of Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs), Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs), TRIFED, and NSTFDC. These events are designed to honor the rich heritage, culture, and contributions of India’s tribal communities and their freedom fighters, according to a statement from the Tribal Affairs Ministry.

The “Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh Pakhwada” spans from November 1 to 15, serving as a national platform to celebrate tribal identity, present indigenous knowledge systems, and raise awareness of government initiatives aimed at empowering tribal populations, as outlined in the statement.

This initiative also seeks to recognize achievements under programs like the National Sickle Cell Elimination Mission, DAJGUA, and various other schemes.

This fortnight of celebration is part of a year-long observance of Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh, commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda—one of India’s most celebrated tribal freedom fighters and a symbol of resistance against colonial rule.

Under the astute leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government has established Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas on November 15 each year, ensuring that the legacy of Bhagwan Birsa Munda and other tribal freedom fighters inspires generations to come.

Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Jual Oram urged all States and Union Territories to embrace Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh Pakhwada as a people’s movement, showcasing the rich cultural identity, knowledge systems, and accomplishments of tribal communities throughout India.

From the Himalayas to the coastal plains, various States and Union Territories have initiated a range of cultural, educational, and community-oriented programs, reflecting a collective spirit of pride and remembrance leading up to Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas.

In Gujarat, a National Seminar on the Life, Struggle, and Contribution of Bhagwan Birsa Munda was jointly organized by the Department of Tribal Development and TRI, Gujarat, at Tent City-2, Ekta Nagar (Narmada District). The seminar, inaugurated by Minister P.C. Baranda, attracted over 600 professors, academicians, and tribal leaders, symbolizing both academic and cultural unity.

In Jammu and Kashmir, capacity-building workshops were held on PM JANMAN, Dharti Aaba initiatives, legal empowerment, and NEP pedagogy. Financial and digital literacy sessions were also conducted for Ashram School students, empowering tribal youth with vital life skills.

In Meghalaya, the Department of Arts and Culture and the Tribal Research Institute organized a special inaugural program at the State Central Library, Shillong. The event featured floral tributes to tribal icons and engaging cultural performances, setting an invigorating tone for state-wide celebrations.

In Rajasthan, all 31 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) took part in the inaugural events of Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh. Students expressed their creativity through painting, essay, and speech competitions celebrating tribal freedom fighters and cultural heritage.