MP CM Mohan Yadav pledges tribal heroes in school textbooks, films
Synopsis
Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav used the martyrdom day of tribal heroes Raja Shankar Shah and Kunwar Raghunath Shah — executed by the British in 1857 — to announce a multi-pronged push to mainstream tribal history: textbook inclusion, films, and universities named after icons like Tantya Bhil and Rani Avanti Bai Lodhi.
Key Takeaways
MP CM Mohan Yadav announced on 18 September 2026 in Jabalpur that tribal heroes' stories would be incorporated into school textbooks and promoted through films.
Raja Shankar Shah and Kunwar Raghunath Shah , from the lineage of Rani Durgavati , were executed by the British in Jabalpur in 1857 by being tied to cannons.
Episodes from the lives of Raja Bhabhut Singh , Raja Shankar Shah , and Kunwar Raghunath Shah have already been added to the state's educational curriculum.
A university in Khargone has been named after tribal freedom fighter Tantya Bhil ; one in Sagar after Rani Avanti Bai Lodhi .
CM Yadav also launched the 'Namo Prerana' programme for cancer prevention and de-addiction awareness among students.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Friday, 18 September 2026, announced that his government was actively working to bring the history and sacrifices of tribal freedom fighters into mainstream public consciousness — through their inclusion in school textbooks, films, and institutional naming initiatives. He made the remarks at a programme in Jabalpur commemorating the martyrdom day of tribal heroes Raja Shankar Shah and his son Kunwar Raghunath Shah.
Background of the Tribal Heroes
Raja Shankar Shah and Kunwar Raghunath Shah, belonging to the lineage of the renowned Rani Durgavati, resisted British colonial rule through their writings and poetry, inspiring widespread resistance among the people. The British authorities captured the father-son duo and executed them by tying them to cannons in Jabalpur in 1857 — one of the more chilling episodes of colonial repression during India's first war of independence.
What the Government Is Doing
Chief Minister Yadav stated that episodes from the lives of tribal icons — including Raja Bhabhut Singh, Raja Shankar Shah, and Kunwar Raghunath Shah — had already been incorporated into the state's educational curriculum. He emphasised that preserving the legacy of tribal icons and transmitting their stories to younger generations was a state responsibility.
'It is the responsibility of the state government to bring the glorious past of the tribal community to the forefront,' Yadav said at the event.
Beyond textbooks, the government is reportedly encouraging the production of films based on the lives of tribal icons. Institutions have also been named after prominent tribal personalities: a university in Khargone has been established in the name of tribal freedom fighter Tantya Bhil, while a university in Sagar is named after Rani Avanti Bai Lodhi.
Yadav's Message on Martyrdom
'While a person's physical body may cease to exist, their ideas live forever. This is precisely what the brave martyrs of Gondwana demonstrated. Their lives and sacrifices will remain a source of inspiration for future generations,' Yadav said, invoking the cultural and historical identity of the Gondwana region.
This comes amid a broader national push across several state governments to reframe historical narratives to highlight contributions from marginalised and tribal communities — a trend that has gained momentum in both educational policy and cultural programming over recent years.
Other Initiatives Launched
On the same occasion, Chief Minister Yadav launched the 'Namo Prerana' programme, designed to spread awareness about cancer prevention and de-addiction among school and college students. He also visited a blood donation camp organised under the 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan-2026' at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Cultural and Information Centre in Jabalpur, where he interacted with donors.
Notably, the dual focus — historical recognition of tribal martyrs alongside public health outreach — signals the government's intent to use such commemorative occasions as broader policy platforms. Whether the curriculum changes and film-promotion measures translate into tangible, sustained representation for tribal communities remains to be seen in practice.
Point of View
A state with a substantial Scheduled Tribe population whose historical contributions have long been underrepresented in mainstream curricula. However, the government's commitment has so far been framed largely in symbolic terms — institutional naming and selective curriculum additions. The harder challenge is systemic: whether these stories are taught with depth and context, or merely inserted as token references. The film-promotion initiative also lacks specifics around funding or timelines. Historically, similar announcements in multiple states have not been followed through with the rigour needed to shift dominant historical narratives.
NationPress
18 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did MP CM Mohan Yadav announce about tribal heroes?
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced on 18 September 2026 that the Madhya Pradesh government would incorporate the stories of tribal freedom fighters into school textbooks and promote films based on their lives. The remarks were made at a Jabalpur event commemorating tribal martyrs Raja Shankar Shah and Kunwar Raghunath Shah.
Who were Raja Shankar Shah and Kunwar Raghunath Shah?
Raja Shankar Shah and his son Kunwar Raghunath Shah were tribal leaders from the lineage of Rani Durgavati who resisted British rule through writings and poetry during India's 1857 uprising. The British captured them and executed both by tying them to cannons in Jabalpur in 1857.
Which universities in MP are named after tribal icons?
A university in Khargone has been named after tribal freedom fighter Tantya Bhil, while a university in Sagar is named after Rani Avanti Bai Lodhi, according to the Chief Minister's statement.
What is the 'Namo Prerana' programme launched by CM Yadav?
'Namo Prerana' is a government programme launched on 18 September 2026 aimed at spreading awareness about cancer prevention and de-addiction among school and college students in Madhya Pradesh.
Has the MP government already made changes to the school curriculum?
Yes, according to CM Yadav, episodes from the lives of tribal heroes including Raja Bhabhut Singh, Raja Shankar Shah, and Kunwar Raghunath Shah have already been incorporated into the state's educational curriculum, with further steps planned.
