How Did UP CM Inaugurate ‘Janjati Bhagidari Utsav’ for Birsa Munda's 150th Birth Anniversary?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- UP CM Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the Janjati Bhagidari Utsav in Lucknow.
- Celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, a significant tribal leader.
- Event features cultural performances from 22 states.
- Focus on integrating tribal communities into the mainstream.
- Government initiatives to improve education and access to welfare schemes.
Lucknow, Nov 13 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, on Thursday, officially launched the six-day ‘Janjati Bhagidari Utsav’ to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of 'Dharti Aaba' Lord Birsa Munda in Lucknow.
During his address, the Chief Minister emphasized that, inspired by the legacy of Dharti Aaba, Prime Minister Narendra Modi designated November 15 as Tribal Pride Day.
Reflecting on Birsa Munda's immense role in India's struggle for independence, the Chief Minister noted that he spearheaded a movement against British oppression and was imprisoned by the colonial authorities, where he tragically passed away at the young age of 25 in a Ranchi jail.
The inauguration of the Janjati Bhagidari Utsav took place at the Indira Gandhi Pratishthan amidst a lively backdrop of drums and cymbals. The Chief Minister toured the exhibition, offered a garland to the statue of Birsa Munda, and praised the cultural displays by tribal artists from various states including Uttar Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh.
Highlighting the importance of the event, CM Yogi remarked that the Janjati Gaurav Pakhwada (from November 1–15) is being celebrated nationwide to promote the integration of tribal communities into society with respect and opportunity.
Artists from a total of 22 states, such as Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra, Sikkim, Odisha, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Uttarakhand, Mizoram, Goa, Kerala, West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and partner state Arunachal Pradesh, are participating in this major cultural event. The festival also includes exhibitions of handicrafts and art, a food fair, and a forum focused on tribal literature.
CM Yogi pointed out that educational attainment among tribal populations has witnessed a significant increase, allowing for better access to government initiatives. He mentioned the recent hiring of 60,244 police personnel, with all positions set aside for Scheduled Tribes being filled, reflecting the growing involvement and educational progress.
Yogi Adityanath stated, “All Scheduled Tribe settlements in the state are being provided with vital amenities under the Dharti Aba Janjati Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan. This initiative encompasses 47 blocks and 517 villages across 26 districts, including 176 villages in Sonbhadra, 61 in Ballia, 36 in Lalitpur, and others throughout the state.”
The Chief Minister explained that these 517 tribal-dominated villages are being linked to key welfare programs such as Aadhaar, Ayushman Bharat Card, PM Ujjwala Yojana, Caste and Residence Certificates, Mudra Yojana, Kisan Credit Card, PM Jan Dhan Yojana, Jeevan Jyoti Insurance Scheme, PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, PM Vishwakarma Yojana, and ration cards. The double-engine government has also approved the necessary infrastructure to ensure comprehensive coverage.
Focusing on educational empowerment, CM Yogi highlighted, “More than 1.5 lakh Scheduled Tribe students have gained from scholarships and fee reimbursements. Currently, nine Ashram Vidyalayas are operating in Lakhimpur Kheri, Balrampur, Bahraich, Maharajganj, Shravasti, and Bijnor, serving 2,026 tribal students. Moreover, two free hostels are currently functional, with plans for eight more under construction, including two each in Lakhimpur Kheri and Chandauli, and one each in Ballia, Gorakhpur, Mirzapur, and Sonbhadra.”
He further added, “Eklavya Model Residential Schools are active in Lakhimpur Kheri, Bahraich, and Sonbhadra, with an additional one planned in Lalitpur. Non-residential tribal girls in classes 6, 9, and 11 are being provided with free uniforms and bicycles.”