Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Tuesday, 9 June paid homage to tribal freedom fighter and social reformer Birsa Munda on his death anniversary, honouring the legacy of a leader whose resistance against British colonial rule continues to resonate across India's tribal communities more than a century later.

VP's Tribute and Personal Connection

In a post on X, Radhakrishnan said, 'On the martyrdom day of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, I pay my respectful tributes to the revered Dharti Aaba, whose life symbolised courage, self-respect and an unwavering commitment to justice. Through the historic Ulgulan, he awakened the spirit of resistance against oppression and inspired tribal communities to safeguard their rights, identity and dignity.'

The Vice President also noted that it 'remains a matter of deep personal reverence' that he had the opportunity to pay tributes to Birsa Munda at his birthplace — Ulihatu — on the first day of assuming office as Governor of Jharkhand, and again recently in his capacity as Vice President of India.

Who Was Birsa Munda

Birsa Munda was born in 1875 in present-day Jharkhand and is revered as one of India's foremost tribal leaders and freedom fighters. He led the historic Ulgulan, or 'Great Tumult', a mass uprising against British colonial rule and the exploitative land policies imposed on tribal communities in the Chotanagpur region. He mobilised thousands of tribal people to assert their rights, identity, and traditional land ownership before dying in British custody on 9 June 1900, aged just 25.

Legacy Across Tribal Communities

Although Birsa Munda's movement was centred in the Chotanagpur plateau, his legacy resonates strongly across multiple states. In Assam, a large number of tea garden community members trace their ancestry to regions associated with his struggle — their forebears having migrated from Chotanagpur during the colonial era. For these communities, Birsa Munda remains a symbol of resistance, dignity, and empowerment.

Notably, political leaders, social organisations, and tribal groups across Assam also paid homage to the leader on Tuesday, recalling his role in championing the rights of indigenous and marginalised communities.

Government Recognition

The Union government has designated 15 November — Birsa Munda's birth anniversary — as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, a national observance honouring the contributions of tribal freedom fighters and celebrating India's rich tribal heritage. The recognition reflects growing institutional acknowledgement of tribal history in the national narrative.

Enduring Relevance

'Bhagwan Birsa Munda's sacrifice and ideals continue to guide the nation in its pursuit of social justice, empowerment and inclusive development. His legacy will remain a lasting source of inspiration for generations to come,' Radhakrishnan added. As India continues to grapple with questions of tribal land rights and inclusive development, Birsa Munda's life and movement remain as instructive as ever.