Radhakrishnan Meets Tribal Icon’s Descendants
Ulihatu/Ranchi: Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan visited Ulihatu, the ancestral village of tribal revolutionary Bhagwan Birsa Munda, in Jharkhand’s Khunti district on Saturday. During his first visit to the birthplace of ‘Dharti Aaba’ since assuming office, the Vice President paid floral tributes at Munda’s statue and held a moving interaction with the icon’s descendants.
Inspiring a New Generation
The Vice President described the visit as deeply personal, noting that Birsa Munda’s sacrifices redefined India’s freedom struggle.
“Birsa Munda’s life continues to inspire the nation’s youth,” the Vice President remarked, recalling his previous visit to the village during his tenure as Jharkhand Governor. He emphasized that the legacy of the “Father of the Earth” serves as a guiding light for future generations.
National Recognition and Welfare
The Vice President highlighted several key government initiatives aimed at preserving tribal heritage and ensuring inclusive development:
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Janjatiya Gaurav Divas: He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for declaring November 15 as a national day of tribal pride in 2021.
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PM-JANMAN Scheme: He underscored this initiative’s role in protecting and empowering Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
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Amrit Kaal Vision: He stressed that India must honor the struggles of tribal freedom fighters to fully realize the rights and dignity for which Munda fought.
A Traditional Welcome
Local villagers greeted the Vice President with a traditional ‘Johar’ welcome amidst enthusiastic crowds. Joining him for the ceremony were:
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Harivansh Narayan Singh, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman
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Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Jharkhand Governor
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Irfan Ansari, State Minister
The Legacy of the “Ulgulan”
Though he lived only 25 years, Birsa Munda spearheaded the “Ulgulan” (The Great Tumult) in the late 1890s. He organized tribal communities to resist British colonial exploitation and land grabbing, becoming a permanent symbol of social and economic justice.
