President, PM pay tribute to Birsa Munda on 151st birth anniversary

President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid floral tributes to tribal icon Dharti Aaba Birsa Munda on the occasion of Jharkhand's State Foundation Day and his 151st birth anniversary at the Parliament complex in New Delhi.Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also joined the leaders in paying tribute to the tribal freedom fighter.The event also featured traditional tribal dance performances, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and folk traditions of tribal communities.

#WATCH | Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal on the Parliament premises, after paying floral tributes to Dharti Aaba Bhagwan Birsa Munda on the occasion of his 151st birth anniversary. (Video Source: PMO)

— ANI (@ANI) November 15, 2026

November 15 holds special significance for Jharkhand as the state was carved out of Bihar on this day in 2000, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, who was born in 1875.Belonging to the Munda tribe, Birsa Munda emerged as a prominent tribal leader during British rule in the late 19th century. He spearheaded a powerful movement against British oppression across the tribal regions of present-day Bihar and Jharkhand, becoming a symbol of tribal resistance, courage and identity.
Earlier, Prime Minister Modi also extended greetings on Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, observed annually on Birsa Munda's birth anniversary. In a post on X, he paid tribute to the tribal leader and highlighted his legacy of courage, struggle and sacrifice."The indomitable courage, struggle and sacrifice of Dharti Aaba will continue to inspire every generation of our country to uphold self-respect, freedom and rights," Modi said.He further said that his government was working to ensure dignity, opportunities and prosperity for tribal communities, while calling upon citizens to recognise their invaluable contribution to nation-building.
President Murmu also extended greetings to citizens on Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, describing the occasion as an opportunity to remember the rich heritage and historic contributions of tribal communities.In a post on X, she said, "This day is an opportunity to remember heritage and the historic contributions of tribal communities to the nation." She also expressed hope that citizens would preserve the country's invaluable tribal heritage while moving forward on the path of inclusive development.
Meanwhile, the Jharkhand Chief Minister's Office extended greetings to the people on the state's Foundation Day and Birsa Munda's 151st birth anniversary.Paying tribute to the tribal leader, the CMO described him as a symbol of tribal resistance and pride, recalling his movement against British oppression and his slogan 'Abua Dishum, Abua Raj', meaning 'Our land, our rule'.

#WATCH Ranchi: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren said, "Today is a very proud and important day for the country. Today marks the 151st birth anniversary of Lord Birsa Munda... He is an inspiration. He gave direction to the lives of people across the country and left such a lasting legacy that it cannot be erased. We are proud that such a great soul was born on the soil of Jharkhand..."

— ANI (@ANI) November 15, 2026