Odisha celebrated the State-Level Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas in Rourkela on Saturday, marking the 151st birth anniversary of tribal icon Birsa Munda.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi joined the event and paid tribute to Birsa Munda. He described him as a patriotic revolutionary who fought against colonial exploitation and inspired a mass tribal uprising across Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh.
The Chief Minister inaugurated development projects worth Rs 1,345 crore and laid foundation stones for projects worth Rs 609 crore in Sundargarh district. Moreover, he named the road from Hanuman Batika Square to Power House Square in Rourkela as Birsa Munda Road, honouring the legendary tribal leader.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from Gujarat. He paid homage to Birsa Munda and highlighted his sacrifices. Furthermore, he reiterated his government’s commitment to tribal empowerment through initiatives such as PM Janman Yojana, Dharti Aaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan, and Adi Karma Yogi Abhiyan.
Speaking to the people of Rourkela, the Chief Minister emphasised Odisha’s dedication to holistic tribal development. He cited measures like granting forest land rights, supporting livelihoods through the Janjati Jeevika Mission, and providing financial assistance under the Shaheed Madho Singh Hathkharcha Yojana to reduce school dropout rates among tribal students. In addition, he noted that the election of India’s President from a tribal background stands as the strongest example of tribal empowerment under Modi’s leadership.
The event also witnessed participation from Deputy Speaker Bhabani Shankar Bhoi, Rourkela MLA Sarada Prasad Nayak, Raghunathpali MLA Durgacharan Tanti, Sundargarh Collector Dr Subhankar Mohapatra, and Rourkela Municipal Commissioner Amritpal Kaur. Finally, Commissioner B. Parameswaran delivered the welcome address.
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