Commemorating the 151st birth anniversary of legendary tribal freedom fighter Dharti Aaba Bhagwan Birsa Munda, the district-level ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas-2026’ was celebrated with great fervour and grandeur at the Ekalavya Model Residential School (EMRS) campus in Kirmira today.
Odisha’s Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Dr Mukesh Mahaling, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and formally inaugurated the newly constructed ‘Adivasi Sanskruti Bhawan, Kirmira.’
In a major boost to tribal education, Minister Dr Mahaling, alongside Bargarh Member of Parliament Pradeep Purohit, also inaugurated dedicated laboratories for General Science, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Computer Science at the EMRS Kirmira campus. Dignitaries noted that these modern facilities will foster scientific temper, research-oriented thinking, and practical skills among tribal students, opening new avenues for quality education.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Mukesh Mahaling paid rich tributes to the tribal icon, stating, “Dharti Aaba Bhagwan Birsa Munda is not just an icon for the tribal community, but a symbol of self-respect and patriotism for the entire nation. The government is working tirelessly for the health, education, and social empowerment of the tribal society, and this new Adivasi Sanskruti Bhawan will play a pivotal role in preserving the region’s rich art and traditions.”
Guest of Honour, Bargarh MP Pradeep Purohit, highlighted the government’s commitment to grassroots development. “Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s indomitable courage and sacrifice form a golden chapter in our history. Alongside protecting their glorious heritage, various public welfare schemes are successfully reaching the grassroots to integrate the tribal community into the mainstream of development,” he remarked.
Jharsuguda MLA Tankadhar Tripathy echoed similar sentiments, emphasising that Birsa Munda’s struggle remains a timeless source of inspiration and that the new cultural centre in Kirmira will provide fresh direction for the holistic empowerment of the community.
Jharsuguda District Collector Kunal Motiram Chavan (IAS) shed light on the ongoing government initiatives, educational upgrades, and infrastructure projects being implemented for the upliftment of tribal communities across the district. Special Development Council (SDC) Jharsuguda Chairman Samal Naik and Vice-Chairperson Sanjukta Oram also shared their reflections on the life and ideals of Birsa Munda.
Organised under the aegis of the District Welfare Department, Jharsuguda, the event witnessed enthusiastic participation from local tribal communities, intellectuals, and students. Earlier, District Welfare Officer Jayashree welcomed the dignitaries and outlined the objectives of the program, while senior officials from the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA), Jharsuguda, were also in attendance. The event concluded with a formal vote of thanks to the guests, public representatives, and attendees.
