Gandhinagar (Gujarat)[India], November 7: Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Friday inaugurated the Janjatiya Gaurav Yatra to mark the 150th birth anniversary of tribal freedom fighter Bhagwan Birsa Munda, highlighting that the one whom no one remembers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, worships those.
The state-wide yatra, part of the "Tribal Pride Year Festival," aims to promote awareness about tribal contributions under Birsa Munda's leadership and inspire participation in India's developmental journey during the Amrit Kaal.
According to a statement from the Gujarat Chief Minister's Office (CMO), CM Patel stated that the tribal communities, who played a leading role under Bhagwan Birsa Munda's leadership in the freedom struggle, have been engaged by the Prime Minister to actively participate in India's developmental journey during the Amrit Kaal. Furthermore, the Prime Minister has also initiated the tradition of celebrating the birth anniversary of freedom hero Bhagwan Birsa Munda as Janjatiya Gaurav Dwas since 2011.
The 150th birth anniversary of tribal leader Bhagwan Birsa Munda is being celebrated this year, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Aimed at enabling today's generation to recognise the historic contributions of tribal communities under Birsa Munda's leadership in the freedom struggle and to draw inspiration for nation-building, this year is being observed as the " Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh" under the Prime Minister's guidance.
On the occasion of Bhagwan Birsa Munda's 150th birth anniversary, as part of the "Tribal Pride Year Festival" celebrations from November 1 to 15, 2025, the state government, led by CM Patel, will organise a Janjatiya Gaurav Rath Yatra across the state's tribal areas from November 7 to 13. Route 1 will cover 665 km from Umargam to Ekta Nagar, while the route from Ambaji to Ekta Nagar will span 713 km, totalling 1,378 km. This special yatra has been meticulously planned to extensively cover the tribal regions..
During the yatra, the Janjatiya Gaurav Rath will be received and warmly welcomed by the people in the villages along its route. At the overnight halt, residents will be shown plays and exhibitions depicting the life and principles of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, along with information on various Central and State Government schemes.
The yatra will also feature a range of service-oriented activities, including health check-up camps, Seva Setu initiatives, and community cleanliness drives, all conducted in the villages along the route with active public participation. Furthermore, programs will be held to make children, youth, and the wider community more aware of the life and values of Bhagwan Birsa Munda throughout the yatra.
Additionally, the departments of state government will also organise a range of programs showcasing Bhagwan Birsa Munda's contributions to nation-building, including painting and oratory competitions, theatrical performances (natak-bhavai), lectures on his life, and film screenings. In addition to the 14 tribal districts, various Tribal Pride Year celebrations will take place in 20 other districts from November 13 to 15.
While flagging off the Gaurav Yatra from Ambaji Dham, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel stated that the Prime Minister has prioritised the holistic development of tribal communities during his tenure, implementing numerous welfare initiatives. He further noted that the state government has extended the Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana, launched for the socio-economic upliftment of tribals in Gujarat, until 2025 with an allocation of Rs 1 lakh crore.
Chief Minister highlighted that under the PM-JANMAN Abhiyan, tribal communities in the state have gained access to Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana houses, 21 mobile towers, and 4G connectivity in their settlements. He lauded that under the Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan, more than 1 lakh 40 thousand people across the state contributed to preparing the Adivasi Village Vision 2030, creating a Village Action Plan aimed at the comprehensive development of tribal villages.
Chief Minister emphasised the significance of the upliftment and contributions of tribal communities in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of "Viksit Bharat @ 2047." He also called upon people to celebrate Janjatiya Gaurav by embracing local products through the "Vocal for Local" initiative and by promoting indigenous tribal handicrafts, craftsmanship, and traditional cuisine.
On this occasion, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Shankar Chaudhary said that Bhagwan Birsa Munda was a source of inspiration and an exemplary figure for the tribal community. Throughout his life, he made tireless efforts to preserve their religion, culture, and tribal identity. He also worked to raise awareness among the people to eradicate social evils and superstitions within the community.
The Speaker stated that Bhagwan Birsa Munda gave prime importance to promoting education and worked for social reform through campaigns for an addiction-free society. By establishing ashrams, he guided the community toward a new direction, inspiring today's youth. Despite facing numerous challenges, he stood up against the oppressive policies of the British government. From his life of struggle, we can draw inspiration to uphold national unity, self-respect, and justice. Bhagwan Birsa Munda's contributions will remain immortal in India's history.
Minister of State for Tribal Development and Food & Civil Supplies, Poonamchand Baranda, stated that Bhagwan Birsa Munda's life exemplified struggle, service, and dedication. He instilled self-confidence and unity within the tribal community. Today, the state government is persistently working to ensure the holistic development of tribal communities by expanding opportunities in education, healthcare, and employment in tribal areas.
On the occasion of the inauguration of Janjatiya Gaurav Yatra, Minister of States Pravin Mali, Swarupji Thakor, Kamlesh Patel, Ramesh Katara, Leader Ratnakarji, Rajya Sabha MPs Babubhai Desai and Ramilaben Bara, MLA Aniket Thaker, Principal Secretary (Tribal), Shahmeena Husain, former Minister, Kuber Dindor, Hari Chaudhary, District Collector Mihir Patel, District Development Officer MJ Dave, District Police Chief Prashant Sumbe, along with other officials, dignitaries, and a large number of tribal leaders and community members, were present.