New Delhi, 15 November (H.S.): Leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday paid floral tributes to Bhagwan Birsa Munda on his 151st birth anniversary at a programme organised at the party's state office in Delhi. They garlanded his portrait and paid homage to the legendary tribal freedom fighter.

Those present included Delhi BJP president and Union Minister of State Harsh Malhotra, South Delhi MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, and party office-bearers Rajesh Bhatia, Praveen Shankar Kapoor, Ranjeet Kashyap, Naresh Vashishth, Manoj Kumar Jatav, Santosh Ojha, Santosh Pal, C. L. Meena, Rajesh Goyal, Rajan Tiwari, Amit Gupta and Satyendra Singh, among others.

Speaking on the occasion, Harsh Malhotra said Bhagwan Birsa Munda was not merely a revolutionary but also an enduring symbol of social harmony, the protection of water, forests and land, and the spirit of self-respect. He said Birsa Munda's 'Ulgulan' movement had shaken the foundations of British rule in India.

Malhotra noted that the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi had designated November 15 as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas in honour of Birsa Munda.

Paying his respects on the occasion, Malhotra said, On the 151st birth anniversary of Dharti Aaba Bhagwan Birsa Munda, we offer our heartfelt tributes to him. At a young age, he raised his voice against injustice and made the supreme sacrifice in the struggle to protect water, forests and land. He remains a source of inspiration not only for the tribal community but also for the youth across the country.

He further said that, under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, the Central Government had undertaken significant initiatives for the upliftment of tribal communities, drawing inspiration from Birsa Munda's ideals. The Eklavya Model Residential Schools and the Van Dhan Yojana, along with the observance of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, were among the measures taken in this direction, he added.

MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri said Bhagwan Birsa Munda had taught people never to bow before oppression. Describing his life as an embodiment of sacrifice, struggle and patriotism, Bidhuri said the Delhi BJP was committed to following his ideals and ensuring that the benefits of development reached the last person in society.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar