Statement by Sarkaryavah Ji on 150th Birth Anniversary of Dharti Aaba Birsa Munda
Bharat’s glorious freedom struggle has witnessed a long tradition of freedom fighters and warriors from Scheduled Tribes, and their contributions have been unforgettable. Among these great heroes, Bhagwan Birsa Munda holds a special place. Born on 15 November 1875 in Ulihatu (Jharkhand), this year marks the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa. Tormented by the atrocities committed by the British and their administration upon the tribal communities, his father moved from Ulihatu to Bamba.
At about ten years of age, Birsa was admitted to the Chaibasa Missionary School. He experienced the conspiracy of the missionaries to convert Scheduled Tribe students to Christianity by alienating them from their own religious traditions. Conversion not only severs a person’s dharmik faith and cultural consciousness but also gradually destroys the identity of the community itself.
At the young age of 15, Birsa discerned the conspiracies of the missionaries and began a movement of social awakening to protect the religious identity and traditions of his community. By the age of 25, he had sparked a wave of cultural renaissance among his people who were suffering under severe hardships. In opposition to the British government’s so-called “administrative reforms” which involved the seizure of forests, deprivation of tribal land rights, and forced labour policies, Bhagwan Birsa organised a massive public movement.
His slogan, “AbuaDishum – Abua Raj” (Our Country – Our rule), became a mantra of inspiration for the youth, motivating thousands to sacrifice themselves for their faith and identity. To safeguard the rights, beliefs, traditions and dharma of the tribal society, Bhagwan Birsa led numerous movements and armed struggles. In pursuit of his sacred mission, he was eventually captured and attained martyrdom at the young age of 25, under unfortunate and suspicious circumstances in prison.
For his boundless love and sacrifice for his people, the entire tribal community reveres him as a divine figure by calling him Dharti Aaba Bhagwan Birsa Munda. The Government of Bharat has honoured his legacy by installing his statue in the Parliament House complex. His birth anniversary, 15 November, is celebrated every year as Janajatiya Gaurav Diwas (Tribal Pride Day). His martyrdom stands as a shining example of the immense contribution of tribal communities to Bharat’s freedom struggle and is an inspiration to the entire nation. The message of Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s life – one of faith, cultural integrity, self-respect, and protection of tribal identity – remains deeply relevant even today.
In the present times, when divisive ideologies seek to spread false narratives and misconceptions about the tribal communities of Bharat, the courageous and spiritual saga of Bhagwan Birsa Munda will continue to dispel such myths and strengthen self-hood, confidence, and unity in society. On the occasion of the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh calls upon all Swayamsevaks and the entire society to imbibe the ideals and actions of Bhagwan Birsa Munda and contribute meaningfully to building a self-aware, united, and self-respecting society.
