On November 16, 2024, Samajik Seva Sadan organized a grand celebration to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, the revered tribal leader and freedom fighter, at Geeta Pada, Karamdihi in Sundargarh. The event was an opportunity for the community to pay tribute to Birsa Munda’s legacy and reflect on his monumental contributions to the independence movement and the empowerment of tribal communities. This article outlines the key moments from the event and the important discussions that took place during the day.
Birsa Munda, known as "Dharti Aaba" or Father of the Earth, was a visionary leader who spearheaded the Munda Rebellion against British colonial rule and the exploitation of tribal people. Born on November 15, 1875, Birsa Munda became an icon of tribal rights and resistance. He played a pivotal role in advocating for the protection of tribal lands, culture, and self-governance. His leadership continues to inspire millions of tribal people in India, and his contributions to the Indian independence movement are celebrated every year on Birsa Jayanti.
The celebration of Birsa Jayanti holds immense cultural and historical significance for tribal communities in India. It is a day to honour Birsa Munda’s life and his role in the fight for the rights of Adivasis. The observance of this day reminds the tribal communities of the importance of unity, resilience, and the preservation of their cultural identity. Birsa Jayanti also serves as a platform to raise awareness about current issues facing tribal communities, including land rights, education, healthcare, and gender equality.
The 150th Birsa Jayanti celebration at Geeta Pada was a day filled with traditional rituals, speeches, and cultural performances, highlighting the rich heritage of the tribal community. The event was attended by prominent tribal leaders, community members, and various dignitaries who expressed their commitment to continuing the struggle for tribal empowerment.
The celebration began with a warm welcome ceremony, where traditional dances and songs were performed to honour the guests. The first session was marked by a traditional Pagdi Ceremony, in which guests were welcomed with Chandan Tikka and bouquets, followed by the offering of Shradhaanjali (tribute) at the photo of Birsa Munda.
Birsa Munda – An Iconic Tribal Leader and his legacy
The first session featured a speech by Mr. Stanislas Barla, the Oraon Tribe Pada Raja, who discussed Birsa Munda’s life, struggles, and the enduring impact of his leadership. Mr. Barla’s talk highlighted the pivotal role Birsa Munda played in challenging British rule and fighting for the rights of Adivasis. His anecdotes and reflections on Birsa Munda’s vision resonated with the audience and set the tone for the rest of the event.
Tribal Rights and the Changing Reality
A crucial part of the celebration focused on the evolving challenges faced by tribal communities today. Mr. Sabinus Soreng delivered an insightful talk on the changing reality of tribal rights in India. He addressed how the socio-political landscape has shifted over time, and the need for continued advocacy to ensure that tribal people can exercise their constitutional rights effectively.
Birsaite – a Religion influenced by the Birsa Munda Legacy
Mr Nathanial Tirkey a retired Govt official and Tribal Thought leader spoke extensively and passionately about the Birsaite religion. The Birsaite Religion, established after Birsa Munda's death, was a spiritual and social movement that aimed to preserve tribal identity and resist external influences. It promoted the belief in a single God ("Ipa"), rejected foreign religious practices, and focused on social reforms to eliminate superstitions and upper-caste domination. Central to its principles were the concepts of self-governance, unity within the community, and the protection of tribal land. Birsa Munda’s vision of spiritual revival, social justice, and land preservation remains a vital force, empowering Adivasi communities and strengthening their cultural identity. It continues to inspire us today in preserving our heritage. Speaking about it he emphasized that it is need for us to reflect and see and question our dedication and commitment to our own cause. Our own truthfulness to our community and their development that depends on collectivism and cooperation.
Empowerment and Women’s Rights
The celebration turned its attention to the role of women and girls in the tribal community. Ms. Veronica Dung Dung and Mr. Alexander Kerketta spoke about the challenges faced by Adivasi women and the need for greater support in areas like education, health, and economic empowerment. They emphasized the need to strengthen the voices of women in tribal communities and ensure equal opportunities for girls, as envisioned by Birsa Munda. As point of significance the community was ushered into have serious reflection at household and community level and have dedicate indicators against which they need to review their own development periodically. These and other strategies need to be collectively evolved so that we as tribals are able to reverse their declining socio-economic, political and cultural situation.
Further, adding to this, the SSS consultant Mr Prafulla Kr Nayak, a recently retired BAO from Bargaon Block spoke passionately about the identity of tribals associating with Forest and the rich biodiversity that existed decades ago before the Industrial spree that started in the district. Today much of the forest landscape has been destroyed and sacrificed for development projects of Highways, Roads, Dams, Minings and Industrial corridors. He also related it to agricultural produce and MFP of different varieties of Forest based foods that has been the natural nutritional supplement for years among the tribals. He urged the community that it is a collective thought and action that will bring about change and everyone needs to be consciously contributing to this direction.
Gram Sabha and the PESA Act
The session on the Gram Sabha and the PESA Act (Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas) was delivered by Mr. Sunil Ku Jojo, who explained the importance of customary law and local governance for tribal communities. He highlighted how the PESA Act upholds the self-governance rights of tribal communities, ensuring that their traditional practices are respected and their authority over resources is preserved. This session served as a call for greater awareness of tribal self-governance and the legal tools available to protect tribal identity and heritage.
Key Message – Birsa freedom struggle, CNT &SPT, PESA, FRA Act and Gram Sabha: The celebration concluded with a final address by the Chief Guest, Mr. Sunil Ku Jojo, who reiterated the importance of Birsa Munda’s legacy in contemporary tribal struggles. He called for continued solidarity among tribal communities to fight for their rights, emphasizing the need for education, awareness, and political engagement to protect tribal lands, culture, and resources. He also highlighted the flaws in policy implementation as the tribal communities are less educated and even lesser sensitized on their rights and entitlements. Further, their educational deprivation and concurrent climate change effects adds to their ever-worsening plight to modern slavery. Majority of youth are migrating to urban cities as agriculture is not at all cost-effective proposition for sustainable livelihood. He also suggested that PESA and FRA are not in consonance and it’s a dichotomy that both of these policies counteract to each other’s provisions. He emphasized that the educated tribals.
He said that freedom struggle of Birsa Munda resulted in very important legal act being passed theses were CNT and SPT Act during the British rule by the British Government. These areas defined at that time the huge geographical spread of Forest area and that were under the different tribal groups across the territories who had protected the forest for centuries and used forest resources sustainably for their livelihood and survival in peaceful co-existence with other fellow tribals groups in the region there, were known as Chottanagpur and Santhal Paragana covering whole of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and part of MP, Bihar, WB and Odisha.
He emphasized many of the intricacies of Constitutional rights that has been put through the PESA act Article 244 related to the schedule area and their customary rights, Adivasi custody practices through section 366/10, and 366/25 related to tribals identity and their sovereignty over their dwelling place and their right for survival. Emphasizing through the Samatha Judgement declaration that land traditionally used by Tribals are for the tribals and cannot be taken over by any one not even for industrial projects in India unless the tribals themselves do not agree.
Cultural Traditional Performances
Throughout the event, attendees were treated to a series of traditional tribal dances from various local groups, including Dongajor, GirjaPada, Sindirya, Bandhdhipa, Kutmamunda, and Geetapada. These performances added a vibrant cultural element to the celebration, showcasing the richness of tribal heritage and the communal spirit that Birsa Munda had championed.
The programme event was anchored by Mr Rajeeb Soreng one of the SSS project coordinator, who also responsible for organizing this event in coordination with other staffs of the organization. Samajik Seva sadan has a history of development intervention for last 20 plus years in Sundargarh. The community connect has been strengthened with every year as these important celebration marks the very essence of socio-cultural embeddedness. The day ended with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks by Mr. George Kerketta, who expressed gratitude to all the guests, performers, and attendees for making the event a success and for their continued efforts to uplift the tribal communities.
Birsa Munda’s Legacy
Throughout the day, the discussions reflected a shared commitment to upholding the values of Birsa Munda. Speakers and community members shared their perspectives on how his legacy continues to influence the fight for Adivasi rights. The event was a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by tribal people, but it also underscored the strength and unity within the community, which continues to be inspired by the vision of Birsa Munda.
The 150th Birsa Jayanti celebration at Geeta Pada was a memorable event that not only honoured Birsa Munda’s life and contributions but also addressed the current issues faced by tribal communities. The speakers, cultural performances, and discussions served as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving tribal culture, protecting tribal rights, and ensuring that the values of self-governance, equality, and empowerment remain at the forefront of the ongoing struggle for tribal communities. Through such celebrations, the community remains united in its commitment to justice, equality, and the preservation of its rich heritage.
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