Why Are Tributes Being Paid to Tribal Warrior Kumaram Bheem on His Death Anniversary?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Kumaram Bheem's legacy is celebrated across Telangana and neighboring states.
- A public holiday was declared in his honor.
- Leaders reaffirm the need to continue his fight for tribal rights.
- His struggle is integral to the Telangana movement.
- The slogan ‘Jal, Jangal, Zameen’ remains a rallying cry for tribal communities.
Hyderabad, Oct 7 (NationPress) Heartfelt tributes were rendered to the renowned tribal martyr Kumaram Bheem on his 85th death anniversary this Tuesday. Adivasis from various areas of Telangana and neighboring states like Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh made their way to Jodeghat village in Kumram Bheem Asifabad district to honor the memorial of this iconic Gond leader.
On this significant occasion, a local public holiday was instituted for all government and private educational institutions in the former Adilabad district.
Celebrations marking this anniversary are being held across all districts and mandal headquarters in the erstwhile Adilabad district to honor the tribal warrior who dedicated his life to fighting for 'Jal, Jangal, and Zameen' (water, forest, land) rights of the tribal communities.
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, along with ministers and leaders from Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and Telangana Jagruthi, paid their respects to Kumaram Bheem on this solemn day.
The Chief Minister reminisced about the leader's unwavering fight for tribal rights.
Minister for Panchayat Raj and Rural Development, Danasari Seethakka, shared her tribute on ‘X’, stating, “On this revered Vardhanti of Komaram Bheem garu, let us celebrate the eternal rebel who sparked the flames of Adivasi pride with his unwavering call: ‘Jal, Jangal, Zameen!’ His sacrifice for our water, forest, and land motivates us to combat exploitation and reclaim our heritage. Jai Bhim!”
BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao highlighted that Kumaram Bheem fought for the survival and rights of tribals and noted that his spirit of resistance is woven into the fabric of the Telangana movement. “We take pride that during the BRS administration, Asifabad district was named in honor of Kumram Bheem, a beautiful memorial garden was created in Jodeghat, and an Adivasi Bhavan was established in his name in Hyderabad,” stated the former minister.
BRS leader and former IPS officer R.S. Praveen Kumar also honored the revolutionary tribal leader, emphasizing that Kumaram Bheem led a fight for existence and dignity, uniting all tribal groups with the powerful slogan of ‘Jal, Jangal, Zameen’. He bravely resisted the Asaf Jahi Army, which imposed taxes on cattle herders.
“Let us draw inspiration from Kumaram Bheem as we strive for our existence and dignity, safeguarding our rights. We must stand against those who encroach on our lands, imprison our tribal youth, attack our daughters through forest officials, and exploit our lands under the guise of tribal welfare. Let us uphold the ideals of that great soul,” posted Praveen Kumar.
Telangana Jagruthi leader K. Kavitha remarked that Kumaram Bheem was a hero who tirelessly fought for tribal rights with the rallying cry of ‘Jal, Jungle, and Zameen’.
She noted that the Telangana movement was propelled forward by his slogans and spirit.