Birsa Munda Statue Inaugurated at Sarai Kale Khan

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Amit Shah inaugurated Birsa Munda’s statue, renamed Sarai Kale Khan Chowk, and announced yearlong tribal welfare initiatives to commemorate the freedom fighter’s 150th birth anniversary.

Birsa Munda Statue Inaugurated at Sarai Kale Khan

Inauguration of Statue and Renaming

  • Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated a 20-foot statue of tribal icon Birsa Munda at Baansera Park, Sarai Kale Khan.
  • Announced renaming of Sarai Kale Khan Chowk as Bhagwan Birsa Munda Chowk to commemorate his 150th birth anniversary.
  • The statue, crafted by sculptors from West Bengal and weighing 3,000 kg, is strategically placed at a major transport hub.
  • The move is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to honour tribal heroes and raise awareness about their contributions.

Government Initiatives for Tribals

  • Shah highlighted significant measures for tribal welfare, including a ₹1.33 lakh crore allocation in this year’s budget.
  • Notable initiatives include the construction of 708 Eklavya Model Residential Schools and ₹97,000 crore distributed under the District Mineral Foundation Scheme.
  • ₹15,000 crore was allocated under the Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission, and ₹24,000 crore for the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan.
  • Under the Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana, basic facilities were provided in 26,428 tribal villages.

Tribute to Birsa Munda

  • The year till November 15, 2025, will be celebrated as Adivasi Gaurav Varsh.
  • Shah emphasised Munda’s resistance to religious conversion and his role as a leader during India’s freedom struggle.
  • Munda’s legacy will inspire future generations, particularly in learning about tribal contributions to India’s independence.

About Birsa Munda:

  • Tribal freedom fighter and folk hero from the Munda tribe in Chota Nagpur Plateau.
  • Led the Munda Rebellion (Ulgulan) against British exploitation, focusing on land rights.
  • Opposed British land-grabbing and oppressive Forest Laws, inspiring tribal self-reliance.
  • Advocated preserving tribal traditions and formed the Birsait faith blending indigenous beliefs.
  • Known as “Bhagwan” and “Dharti Aba” (Father of the Earth).
  • His efforts influenced the 1908 Chotanagpur Tenancy Act.
  • Died at 25; Jharkhand was created on his birth anniversary in 2000

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times