Birsa Munda was a tribal leader known for his role in resisting British colonial exploitation and is celebrated as a hero of the tribal freedom movement.

C. P. Radhakrishnan to Grace Mahatma Gandhi Central University’s 3rd Convocation in Motihari

Synopsis

The Vice President of India, C. P. Radhakrishnan, is scheduled to attend the 3rd Convocation of Mahatma Gandhi Central University in Motihari tomorrow. His visit underscores the importance of tribal heritage and the contributions of figures like Birsa Munda.

Key Takeaways

Radhakrishnan will attend Mahatma Gandhi Central University's 3rd Convocation.

He will also visit Bhitiharwa Gandhi Ashram during his trip.

The visit emphasizes the importance of tribal heritage and figures like Birsa Munda.

Highlights initiatives for the welfare of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups.

Reflects the government's commitment to inclusive development.

New Delhi, April 3 (NationPress) The Vice President, C. P. Radhakrishnan, is set to travel to Bihar on Saturday to serve as the Chief Guest at the 3rd Convocation of Mahatma Gandhi Central University in Motihari, according to an official announcement.

During his trip, he will also visit the Bhitiharwa Gandhi Ashram located in West Champaran, as stated in an official release on Friday.

Last month, the Vice President honored the memory of the tribal leader Birsa Munda by visiting his ancestral village, Ulihatu, in Jharkhand’s Khunti district.

He laid floral tributes at Birsa Munda's statue and engaged with his descendants and family members.

Reflecting on the experience, the Vice President described it as profoundly moving, noting that Birsa Munda’s legacy continues to motivate the youth of India and that his sacrifices played a key role in shaping the freedom struggle.

This marked his inaugural visit to the birthplace of the revered figure known as ‘Dharti Aaba’ since taking office.

He reminisced about his previous visit to Ulihatu when he was the Governor of Jharkhand, calling it a significant experience and reaffirming that Birsa Munda’s legacy would guide future generations.

The Vice President commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi for declaring November 15, Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary, as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas in 2021, viewing it as an important step towards enhancing national consciousness of tribal heritage.

Regarding tribal welfare initiatives, he highlighted the PM-JANMAN scheme, which focuses on the protection and empowerment of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), emphasizing the government's commitment to inclusive development.

He stressed the importance of raising awareness about the contributions and struggles of tribal freedom fighters during the ‘Amrit Kaal’, as this represents the realization of the rights and dignity for which Birsa Munda fought.

During the visit, the Vice President also engaged with local residents and was warmly welcomed with a traditional ‘Johar’ ceremony. Crowds gathered enthusiastically in Ulihatu and surrounding areas to greet him.

Stringent security measures were implemented throughout his visit. Notable attendees included Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh, Jharkhand Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar, and state minister Irfan Ansari.

In a brief yet impactful life spanning just 25 years, Birsa Munda emerged as a symbol of resistance against British colonial exploitation. As the British and local landlords oppressed tribal communities, seizing their lands and perpetrating injustices, Munda led a fight against this economic and social inequity.

Revered as “Dharti Aba” (“Father of the Earth”), Bhagwan Birsa spearheaded the “Ulgulan” or Munda Rebellion against British tyranny in the late 1890s.