KARGIL/LEH: The 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, the revered tribal freedom fighter and social reformer was commemorated with great respect and enthusiasm on Saturday at the Auditorium Hall, Kargil, and Leh, District Social and Tribal Welfare Office in collaboration with Tribal Research Institute (TRI), University of Ladakh.
The event was organized by Tribal Research Institute, University of Ladakh in collaboration with Social and Tribal Welfare Department in to honor his extraordinary contributions to India’s freedom struggle and his relentless efforts to safeguard tribal rights, culture and identity.
The program was graced by the presence of Chief Guest Hon’ble Member of Parliament (MP) Mohd Haneefa Jan, Guest of Honour Executive Councillor LAHDC Syed Mujtaba, ADC Kargil Imteeaz Kacho, Director Social Welfare Department Kunzes Angmo, Director Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Tahir Hussain Zubdavi, Joint Director Finance Iftikhar Hussain, Director Tribal Research Institute Dr Jaffer, National Awardees along with teaching and non-teaching staff, students and other distinguished guests.
MP Ladakh, Mohd Hanifa encouraged the gathering to uphold tribal values, promote education and ensure inclusivity in development. He urged the youth to draw inspiration from the lives of Birsa Munda and Munshi Abdul Sattar. Appreciating the artistic efforts of the Ranthak group, he referred to them as the “Mirror of Our Society” for their impactful film script and performances. He also reassured the public of his commitment to safeguarding the unique cultural and traditional identity of UT Ladakh.
Executive Councillor Syed Mujtaba, in his address underlined the fundamental responsibility of every citizen to preserve and protect tribal culture, heritage and traditions.
The event commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and floral tributes to Bhagwan Birsa Munda. This was followed by a welcome address by the Director of Social Welfare who highlighted Birsa Munda’s pivotal leadership in the Munda Rebellion (Ulgulan) against British exploitation and unjust land policies. She emphasized his enduring message of self-rule, dignity and social justice for tribal communities.
She further noted that the period from 1st to 15th November is celebrated as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas Pakhwada during which the Social Welfare Department organized a series of programs including health camps, seminars, cultural heritage lectures, school painting competitions, interactive ICDS sessions and awareness activities on livelihood schemes.
Dr. Konchok Paldan delivered an insightful presentation on the life and legacy of Bhagwan Birsa Munda and also shed light on the revolutionary tribal leader of Ladakh, Munshi Abdul Sattar drawing parallels between their courage and dedication to social upliftment.
Cultural performances showcasing tribal heritage were presented by the Ranthak team including a specially crafted play depicting the sacrifices of Birsa Munda and his remarkable contributions to forest rights and his resistance against oppressive policies.
A certificate was presented to Zaibun Nissa, General Secretary of Team Stigmo in recognition of her contributions.
The commemoration concluded with National Anthem and the live broadcast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address on Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas.
In the closing remarks, the Director Tribal Research Institute and the Dean of Arts, Dr. Jaffer Ali Khan expressed gratitude to all dignitaries and participants, urging everyone to uphold the ideals of Bhagwan Birsa Munda and continue working for the empowerment of marginalized communities.
Earlier in the day in Leh, District Social and Tribal Welfare Office in collaboration with Tribal Research Institute (TRI), University of Ladakh, commemorated the 150th Birth Anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda at the DC Conference Hall, Leh.
The event was chaired by the District Social and Tribal Welfare Officer, Leh, Shri Mohd Safdar Bhat (JKAS). In his address, Mohd Safdar Bhat spoke about the remarkable life and contributions of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, one of India’s most respected tribal freedom fighters and social reformers. He highlighted Birsa Munda’s leadership in uniting tribal communities against British rule and his lasting legacy of bravery, resistance, and empowerment.
As part of the programme, Stanzin Glake presented a PowerPoint session on Birsa Munda’s early life from Ulihatu Village to his rise as a tribal icon and the important movements he led. The session also highlighted Munshi Abdul Sattar, a tribal freedom fighter from Ladakh, covering his early life and role in the freedom struggle.
A short documentary on the life and legacy of Bhagwan Birsa Munda was also screened. This was followed by a live telecast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address on the occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas.
