Agartala, 15th November 2026 : Although Bhagwan Birsa Munda died in prison at the young age of just 25, the impact of his struggle and movement spread across the country. His ideals and fight for the protection of rights inspired tribal leaders in Tripura as well. The influence of Birsa Munda’s ideology can be seen in the movements led by several tribal leaders of the state, including Ratanmani Reang, Dasharath Debbarma and Ratanmani Noatia. Tripura Governor Indrasena Reddy Nallu made these remarks while addressing the sixth Janjatiya Gaurav Divas celebration at Dasharath Dev Auditorium in the capital on Sunday.
It may be mentioned that the 151st birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, one of India’s most celebrated tribal freedom fighters and revolutionaries, was observed across the country, including Tripura, on Sunday through various programmes.
On this occasion, the sixth Janjatiya Gaurav Divas was organised at Dasharath Dev Auditorium in Agartala through a joint initiative of the Tribal Research and Cultural Institute and the Tripura State Academy of Tribal Culture under the Department of Tribal Welfare. Governor Indrasena Reddy Nallu attended the programme as the chief guest.
At the beginning of the programme, the Governor, along with other dignitaries and distinguished guests, paid floral tributes to the portrait of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. The gathering remembered his revolutionary life, sacrifice and struggle for establishing the rights of tribal communities.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor said that during British rule, Bhagwan Birsa Munda united tribal communities and led the struggle to protect their rights, dignity and identity. His movement against British oppression and exploitation instilled a new sense of awareness and confidence among tribal communities. Although he died in prison at the tender age of 25, his struggle and ideals remain equally relevant even today.
The Governor further stated that Birsa Munda’s movement was not confined to any particular region or tribal community. Its influence spread to different parts of the country. The tribal-dominated areas of Tripura also felt the impact of his movement. Leaders such as Ratanmani Reang, Dasharath Debbarma and Ratanmani Noatia led movements to unite their communities and establish their rights. He noted that Birsa Munda’s revolutionary ideals inspired these movements as well.
He emphasised that the history, heritage, culture and identity of tribal communities are integral parts of the country’s overall history. It is essential to present the stories of sacrifice and struggle of tribal heroes before the younger generation. Their contributions must be remembered and their ideals passed on to future generations.
Meanwhile, several tribal organisations and social institutions organised various programmes across Tripura to mark the sixth Janjatiya Gaurav Divas. The programmes highlighted Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s life and struggle, the rights of tribal communities, and the importance of preserving their heritage and culture. Calls were also made to strengthen unity, solidarity and mutual cooperation among tribal communities.
The 151st birth anniversary celebrations of Bhagwan Birsa Munda across the state carried a strong message of tribal unity, protection of rights and the preservation of indigenous history and heritage.
