Delhi BJP President Harsh Malhotra on Tuesday, 9 June paid floral tributes to tribal leader and freedom fighter Birsa Munda on his death anniversary, joining tribal children and women at Sarai Kale Khan in New Delhi. Malhotra described Munda as a towering figure who gave his life to protect the rights, culture, and heritage of India's tribal communities.

What Malhotra Said

Speaking to reporters at the event, Malhotra invoked Munda's defining slogan. 'Abua Dishum, Abua Raj' — meaning 'Our Country, Our Rule' — was the rallying cry Munda used to galvanise tribal communities against colonial subjugation, Malhotra noted.

'Bhagwan Birsa Munda lived a short life, but he was revered as a divine figure because he fought to protect the tribal communities' water, land and cultural heritage. He worked to preserve their traditions and inspired people to protect forests and trees, thereby safeguarding the environment,' Malhotra said.

Legacy of Resistance Against Colonial Rule

Malhotra highlighted Munda's fierce resistance to British policies, particularly the Zamindari system through which colonial authorities systematically seized tribal lands. 'When the British began seizing the lands of tribal communities through the Zamindari system, Birsa Munda emerged as a leader of resistance. He was among the earliest freedom fighters who challenged British rule and courageously fought against their guns with traditional weapons such as bows and arrows,' he said.

Munda, born in the tribal belt of the Chhotanagpur Plateau, began fighting for tribal rights as a teenager. Though he briefly attended a German Mission School, he left formal education to dedicate himself to social reform and anti-colonial resistance. He later founded the Birsait faith movement, which drew followers from the Munda and Oraon communities. Between 1886 and 1890, he participated in several anti-establishment and anti-missionary movements in Chaibasa.

Who Was Birsa Munda

A fearless leader from the Munda tribe, Birsa Munda spearheaded a major tribal uprising against British rule across regions that now constitute Jharkhand, Bihar, and West Bengal. He was arrested by British authorities on 3 March 1900 and died in Ranchi Jail on 9 June 1900, aged just 25. In recognition of his enduring legacy, the state of Jharkhand was carved out of Bihar on his birth anniversary, 15 November 2000.

Relevance Today: Environment and Tribal Empowerment

Malhotra stressed that Munda's teachings carry urgent contemporary relevance, particularly on environmental conservation. 'Environmental protection is extremely important today. Due to global warming, water levels are declining, and forests are being destroyed. We must create awareness about these issues and ensure that tribal communities are empowered and brought into the mainstream while preserving their unique identity and traditions,' he said.

The tribute was paid on behalf of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the NDA government. As India continues to grapple with deforestation and displacement of tribal populations, Munda's dual legacy — of political resistance and ecological stewardship — remains a touchstone for policymakers and activists alike.