New Delhi [India], June 30 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid tribute to the heroes of the Santhal rebellion on the occasion of Hul Diwas, describing the day as a "powerful symbol of the extraordinary spirit of the tribal community".
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said the courage, sacrifice and commitment shown by the Santhal heroes in protecting the country's honour and tribal identity continue to inspire generations.
"Hul Diwas is a powerful symbol of the extraordinary spirit of our tribal community, which is willing to die for the motherland. On this glorious occasion of Indian history, I pay my respectful tribute to all those brave warriors--Sido-Kanhu, Chand-Bhairav, and Phulo-Jhano--who stood firm against the injustice of foreign rule. The story of their struggle and sacrifice for the protection of tribal dignity and honour will continue to infuse new energy into the hearts of the countrymen," the Prime Minister wrote.
Earlier today, President Droupadi Murmu also paid tribute to the heroes of the Santhal rebellion on the occasion of Hul Diwas, saying their "valour, sacrifice, and martyrdom will forever continue to inspire all fellow citizens of the country".
In a post on X, the President remembered the sacrifice of the leaders of the historic Santhal Hul of 1855, one of India's earliest organised uprisings against British colonial rule."
On the occasion of 'Hul Divas', I pay my humble respects to the immortal heroic men and women of the Sido-Kanhu, Chand-Bhairav, Phulo-Jhano, and Santhal rebellions for their sacrifices and martyrdom. They waged a historic struggle against the exploitation of tribal society and to protect their identity. Their valour, sacrifice, and martyrdom will forever continue to inspire all fellow citizens of the country," Murmu said.
Hul Diwas, observed annually on June 30, commemorates the Santhal Hul of 1855, which took place two years before the Revolt of 1957. On June 30, 1855, more than 10,000 Santhal villagers assembled at Bhognadih in present-day Jharkhand and declared independence from British rule, launching an armed rebellion against exploitative landlords, unfair taxation and forced labour.