Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, 15 November 2026, paid rich tributes to tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda on the occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, saying that Munda's courage, sacrifice, and struggle would continue to inspire every generation of Indians. President Droupadi Murmu also extended her greetings to citizens on the day, calling it an opportunity to reflect on India's tribal heritage.

Modi's tribute on X

In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi said, “On the birth anniversary of Lord Birsa Munda, I bow to him with deepest reverence on behalf of all the people of our country. My heartfelt best wishes to you all for Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, celebrated on this auspicious occasion.” He further noted that “The indomitable courage, struggle and sacrifice of Dharti Aaba will continue to inspire every generation of our country to uphold self-respect, freedom and rights.”

Modi also said the government, drawing inspiration from Birsa Munda's life, is “leaving no stone unturned to ensure dignity, opportunity and prosperity for our tribal brothers and sisters.” He concluded with a call to action: “Let us all come together to pay tribute to the invaluable contribution of tribal communities to nation-building.”

President Murmu's greetings

President Droupadi Murmu, herself a member of a tribal community, took to X to extend her wishes, saying: “On the sacred occasion of the birth anniversary of Dharti Aba, Lord Birsa Munda, I extend my heartfelt greetings to all fellow citizens on 'Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas'. This day is an opportunity to remember our rich tribal heritage and the historic contributions of tribal communities to the nation.” She added, “I hope that all fellow citizens will preserve our invaluable heritage while moving forward on the path of inclusive development.”

Who was Birsa Munda

Birsa Munda was born on 15 November 1875 in present-day Jharkhand and went on to become one of India's most revered tribal leaders and freedom fighters. He led the historic Ulgulan — meaning 'Great Tumult' — a mass uprising against British colonial rule and the exploitative land policies that dispossessed tribal communities. Munda died in British custody on 9 June 1900, aged just 25, but his resistance movement laid the groundwork for later tribal rights struggles across the subcontinent.

Significance of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas

The Central government designated 15 November — Birsa Munda's birth anniversary — as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas to honour tribal freedom fighters and celebrate India's tribal heritage. The commemoration reflects the government's stated policy focus on tribal welfare, a constituency that spans several electorally significant states including Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Madhya Pradesh. Notably, 15 November is also the foundation day of Jharkhand, a state carved out partly in recognition of tribal aspirations.