Bhopal, Nov 10 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Madhya Pradesh government will organise a series of programmes across the state to highlight the contributions of tribal freedom fighters and promote tribal heritage during Tribal Pride Week from November 11 to 18, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said on Tuesday.
The celebrations will centre on the birth anniversary of tribal icon Birsa Munda on November 15, with major events scheduled in Jabalpur on November 14, Dhar on November 15, and Khandwa on November 16.
Addressing a press conference at the State BJP headquarters, Chief Minister Yadav said the initiative was aimed at making younger generations aware of the struggles and sacrifices of tribal leaders and their contribution to the country’s history.
He added that the BJP had worked to recognise the tribal community and promote its political representation in the state.
“The BJP has fulfilled its promise of according respect to the tribal community. We have also developed political leadership within the tribal community in Madhya Pradesh, and our commitment is reflected in the government’s welfare schemes,” CM Yadav said.
The celebrations will also extend to educational institutions, with schools and hostels in all tribal development blocks organising programmes on Birsa Munda and other tribal heroes.
Students will take part in cultural and literary activities, including tribal dance, drama, music, painting, rangoli, essay writing and speech competitions.
The state government is also highlighting its initiatives to honour tribal personalities.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav cited the naming of a university in Khargone after Tantya Mama, the launch of the Shri Anna Yojana in the name of Rani Durgavati, and the development of a medical college in Mandla named after Raja Shankar Shah and Raghunath Shah.
He also referred to Cabinet meetings held in Jabalpur to honour Rani Durgavati, Sangrampur in Damoh district and Pachmarhi to commemorate Raja Bhabhut Singh.
“The contributions of our tribal heroes are an important part of the country’s history. We are working to ensure that their sacrifices and legacy are remembered by future generations,” the Chief Minister said.
State BJP President Hemant Khandelwal said that Birsa Munda had led a struggle against British rule and fought for the rights of tribal communities over land, forests and water.
Khandelwal added that Tribal Pride Chaupal programmes will be held in selected villages from November 18 to 20, bringing together tribal representatives and social workers.
Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Central government had started began observing November 15 as Tribal Pride Day in 2021 to mark the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda.
–IANS
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