NEW DELHI, 9 June (H.S.): On the martyrdom day of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, the iconic tribal leader revered as “Dharti Aaba” (Father of the Earth), Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and several other prominent leaders paid tribute to him, remembering his struggle, sacrifice and immense contribution to the protection of tribal rights.

Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, in a post on X, paid homage to Bhagwan Birsa Munda and described him as a symbol of courage, self-respect and an unwavering commitment to justice. He said that through the historic Ulgulan movement, Birsa Munda awakened the spirit of resistance against oppression and inspired tribal communities to safeguard their rights, identity and dignity. He also recalled that on the first day of assuming office as Governor of Jharkhand, and later as Vice President, he had the privilege of paying tribute at Ulihatu, the birthplace of Birsa Munda.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla described Bhagwan Birsa Munda as a great people's leader who dedicated his life to protecting jal, jangal and zameen (water, forests and land). He said that Birsa Munda’s struggle to preserve the cultural identity and rights of tribal communities remains a glorious chapter in India’s freedom movement.

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah said that through the Ulgulan movement, Birsa Munda sounded the clarion call for freedom against British rule. He united tribal communities to protect their rights and heritage and transformed the preservation of water, forests and land into a mass movement.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid tribute to Birsa Munda, describing him as a people's hero who fought for freedom until his last breath. He said that Birsa Munda’s struggle against foreign rule, injustice and exploitation continues to inspire the nation.

Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan termed Birsa Munda a towering hero of India’s freedom struggle and said that his life remains an eternal source of inspiration for the country. Union Ministers Giriraj Singh and Manohar Lal also paid homage, remembering his sacrifice and patriotism.

Bharatiya Janata Party National President Nitin Naveen said that Birsa Munda’s resistance against British rule and his campaign to awaken tribal consciousness and rights constitute an important chapter in the history of India’s freedom movement.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said that the Ulgulan launched by Birsa Munda to protect water, forests, land and tribal identity continues to inspire Indians even today.

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi described Birsa Munda as a great champion of tribal identity and rights. He said that Birsa Munda’s struggle and ideology continue to inspire the pursuit of justice, equality and the rights of marginalized communities.

Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also paid her respects and recalled his relentless struggle for the protection of tribal rights.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that the historic Ulgulan led by Birsa Munda against British rule for the protection of tribal identity and natural resources remains an immortal chapter of India’s freedom struggle. She added that the grateful nation would always remember his indomitable courage, struggle and supreme sacrifice.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav paid tribute and said that Birsa Munda sacrificed everything for the protection of water, forests, land and the freedom of the nation. He also remained steadfast in safeguarding the identity and culture of tribal communities.

Aam Aadmi Party National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal paid homage to “Dharti Aaba” Bhagwan Birsa Munda, who had raised the call of “Ulgulan” against oppressive British rule and exploitative forces. He said that Birsa Munda’s life and ideals, dedicated to the protection of water, forests and land, continue to serve as a source of inspiration for all.

Notably, Bhagwan Birsa Munda (November 15, 1875 – June 9, 1900) breathed his last at the age of just 25 while imprisoned by the British in Ranchi Jail. Revered as “Dharti Aaba” (Father of the Earth), he remains one of the most celebrated icons of tribal resistance and India’s struggle against colonial rule.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar