“A colourful state-level programme on Tribal Pride Day was held in Khumulwng.”

15th November marks the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. To commemorate this day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the celebration of Tribal Pride Day across the country. On the occasion of Tribal Pride Day, the state government has undertaken various programmes across the state. The main state-level event was held on Saturday at the Khumpui Academy premises in Khumulwng, the headquarters of the ADC.

Chief Minister Professor Dr. Manik Saha was present as the chief guest at the event. Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma, Rajya Sabha MP Rajib Bhattacharjee, MP Kriti Devi Singh and several others attended as special guests.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly emphasized that the development of the country is not possible without the development of the tribal communities. Guided by the Prime Minister, the state government also believes that the overall development of the state is impossible without the holistic development of the tribal people. The Chief Minister further said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has undertaken various initiatives for tribal development. The journey of the Tribal Welfare Department as a separate department began during the tenure of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

The Chief Minister added that Bhagwan Birsa Munda is considered a legendary figure in the Santal rebellion. The decision to celebrate Tribal Pride Day on Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary was taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to honour the contribution of tribal communities in the freedom struggle and to prioritize the socio-economic development of tribal-dominated regions. He believes that this day represents a proud chapter in the history of the tribal community.

Speaking to the media later, the Chief Minister said that before the late former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the tribals of the country were largely overlooked. After he came to power, a separate ministry for tribal affairs was established. From that moment, a new chapter began in the development of tribal communities. Subsequently, the present Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced several schemes for the overall development of tribals. Not only that, he has also taken initiatives to ensure the proper implementation of these schemes. The Prime Minister also established a separate ministry called the DoNER Ministry for the development of the Northeastern region.

The Chief Minister said that through the DoNER Ministry, the Prime Minister has significantly advanced the development of the Northeast under the ‘Ashtalakshmi’ and ‘Act East Policy’.

At this programme held in the Khumpui Academy premises, around one thousand tribal dancers participated in the traditional Mamita dance. In addition, traditional dances and music of various tribal communities were performed. This is the first time such an event has been organized at the ADC headquarters in Khumulwng.