BJP Janjati Morcha organised a workshop in Agartala to commemorate tribal freedom fighter Bhagwan Birsa Munda ahead of Janjati Gaurav Divas on November 15, focusing on tribal history, indigenous contributions to India’s freedom struggle and statewide celebration preparations.
The Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Janjati Morcha organised a one-day workshop in Agartala on Saturday to highlight the contributions of tribal freedom fighters to India’s independence movement and prepare for the statewide observance of Janjati Gaurav Divas on November 15.
The workshop, held at Bhagat Singh Youth Hostel, focused on commemorating the legacy of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, a prominent tribal freedom fighter, while recognising the historical contributions and sacrifices of indigenous communities during India’s struggle against British colonial rule.
Several senior BJP leaders, representatives of tribal communities and organisational functionaries from across Tripura attended the programme. Among those present were Tripura BJP president Abhishek Debroy, BJP Organisational Secretary Rabindra Raju, Minister Bikash Debbarma, Speaker Ram Pada Jamatia and Sameer Oraon, who attended the programme from New Delhi. Leaders of the Janjati Morcha and representatives of different tribal communities also participated in the discussions.
Addressing the gathering, BJP state president Abhishek Debroy said Janjati Gaurav Divas represents an effort to recognise the sacrifices and contributions of tribal communities, whose role in India’s freedom struggle, according to him, had not received adequate attention in mainstream historical narratives for many years.
He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi with institutionalising the observance of Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary as Janjati Gaurav Divas, saying the initiative had brought greater national attention to tribal heritage, history and freedom fighters.
Debroy also referred to various initiatives undertaken in recent years to highlight the contributions of lesser-known freedom fighters. He said many tribal leaders and freedom fighters had played important roles in resisting colonial rule, but their stories had remained outside wider public discussion.
According to the BJP state president, honouring Bhagwan Birsa Munda is also a way of recognising the collective sacrifices of tribal communities who contributed to the country’s independence and continue to participate in nation-building.
The workshop was organised not only to discuss the historical importance of Janjati Gaurav Divas but also to strengthen organisational preparations for its celebration across Tripura. The party plans to conduct various programmes on November 15, including public gatherings and cultural activities highlighting Birsa Munda’s life, legacy and contributions.
Speakers at the workshop stressed the importance of preserving tribal history, indigenous traditions, cultural identity and heritage. They also highlighted the need to educate younger generations about the contributions of tribal communities to India’s freedom movement and the country’s development.
The discussions further focused on documenting the stories of tribal freedom fighters and ensuring that their sacrifices receive wider recognition among students and the general public.
Janjati Gaurav Divas is observed annually on November 15 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. The Government of India designated the day as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas in 2021 to recognise the contributions of tribal communities to the country’s history and freedom struggle.
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The workshop concluded with a call to intensify efforts to preserve and promote the historical contributions of tribal leaders and freedom fighters. With the November 15 observance approaching, the BJP’s Janjati Morcha is continuing preparations for programmes across Tripura to highlight tribal heritage, culture and the legacy of Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
