Bhubaneswar, 03 November (H.S.): The BJP will organise a statewide campaign from November 11 to 22 to mark Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, commemorating the 151st birth anniversary of tribal freedom fighter Bhagwan Birsa Munda and the 127th birth anniversary of martyr Laxman Nayak.

Announcing the programme at a preparatory workshop at the BJP state headquarters on Tuesday, BJP ST Morcha national president and MP Mannalal Rawat said the campaign would take the life, valour and sacrifices of Birsa Munda to every household.

Rawat said the initiative would highlight the contribution of tribal communities to India's freedom struggle and nation-building, while creating awareness about forgotten tribal heroes, including Odisha's legendary freedom fighter Shaheed Laxman Nayak.

As part of the campaign, a statewide cleanliness drive will be organised on November 14 at statues and memorials of tribal leaders, followed by a grand Deepotsav.

Youth dialogues will also be organised to highlight the role of tribal communities in nation-building. The BJP ST Morcha will work to take the history, heritage and contributions of tribal communities to every panchayat and village in Odisha.

Rawat said the initiative reflected the emphasis on tribal identity, dignity and inclusive development under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. He also called for naming prominent public places and intersections after tribal heroes.

Senior BJP leaders, including state president Manmohan Samal, Union Minister Jual Oram, state ministers Nityananda Gond and Rabi Narayan Naik, former minister Bishweswar Tudu and other party functionaries attended the workshop.

Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas is observed on November 15, the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, who remains a prominent symbol of tribal resistance against British colonial rule.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda