Odisha CM Mohan Majhi Unveils Birsa Munda Statue, Highlights PM Modi’s Focus on Tribal Empowerment
Image via The Hindi
Paderu, Nov 16 (TheTrendingPeople) — Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has placed unprecedented priority on the empowerment of tribal communities, both through policy and political representation. He also pointed to the elevation of tribal leaders — including the President of India and several Chief Ministers — as proof of the BJP’s long-term commitment to Scheduled Tribe leadership.
Majhi was speaking at Paderu in Andhra Pradesh, where he joined fellow ministers Satya Kumar Yadav and Gummadi Sandhya Rani, along with BJP state president P.V.N. Madhav, to unveil a statue of legendary tribal leader Birsa Munda. The event coincided with the 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, celebrated nationwide as Jan Jatiya Gaurav Divas.
Birsa Munda: A Legacy of Resistance and Reform
Born in 1875, Birsa Munda was a revolutionary tribal freedom fighter and spiritual leader from the Munda community, remembered for spearheading a socio-religious movement against British colonial rule in eastern India. Although he died at just 25, his struggle inspired generations and remains central to India’s Adivasi identity and rights discourse.
Calling him a “warrior saint,” CM Majhi said,
“Birsa Munda was not only a freedom fighter but also a spiritual light whose life continues to inspire lakhs. His courage, conviction, and commitment to the rights of his people will always guide us.”
Government Initiatives: Education, Health, and Livelihoods
Majhi said the Central government is working to uplift tribal communities through initiatives such as:
- Eklavya Model Residential Schools for quality education
- Expanded rural healthcare and medical access in remote regions
- Reduction of extremist-affected regions from 126 districts to just 38, creating safer environments for tribal families
He also highlighted the promotion of forest-based products through 195 dedicated outlets, enabling tribal self-reliance and market access.
“Today, tribal families are not just surviving but progressing, thanks to focused development and security,” he said.
Calls for Continued Legal and Social Protection
State BJP president P.V.N. Madhav said Birsa Munda’s resistance laid the foundation for landmark tribal protection laws such as the 1/70 Act and PESA (Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, ensuring land and self-governance rights for tribal communities.
“Birsa Munda fought for dignity, land, and identity. His legacy lives on in every law that protects tribal rights and culture,” Madhav said.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
The unveiling of Birsa Munda’s statue in Paderu not only paid homage to a historic tribal icon but also served as a stage for the Modi government to underline its political and policy outreach to India’s 10+ crore tribal population. As development, representation, and cultural recognition become central themes of national politics, Birsa Munda’s legacy remains more relevant than ever.