C. P. Radhakrishnan visits Ulihatu, pays tribute to Birsa Munda

Ranchi — Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Saturday visited Ulihatu, the ancestral village of tribal icon Birsa Munda, and paid homage to his memory.

He offered floral tributes at Birsa Munda’s statue and later met his descendants and family members. Describing the visit as deeply moving, the Vice President said the life and sacrifice of the revered leader continue to inspire the youth and gave a new direction to India’s freedom struggle. He noted that this was his first visit to the birthplace of “Dharti Aaba” since assuming office.

Recalling his earlier visit to the village during his tenure as Jharkhand Governor, he reaffirmed that Birsa Munda’s legacy would continue to guide future generations. He also highlighted the decision by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to declare November 15, Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary, as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas in 2021, calling it a significant step toward recognising tribal heritage.

Referring to tribal welfare initiatives, the Vice President mentioned the PM-JANMAN aimed at empowering Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), emphasising the government’s focus on inclusive development.

He stressed that greater awareness of tribal freedom fighters’ contributions is vital during the “Amrit Kaal”, as it reflects the realisation of the rights and dignity for which Birsa Munda fought.

During the visit, the Vice President interacted with villagers and received a traditional “Johar” welcome, with enthusiastic crowds gathering in and around Ulihatu. Elaborate security arrangements were in place.

Among those present were Harivansh Narayan Singh, Santosh Kumar Gangwar and Irfan Ansari.

In his brief life of 25 years, Birsa Munda emerged as a powerful symbol of resistance against British colonial exploitation. Revered as “Dharti Aaba”, he led the Ulgulan in the late 1890s, mobilising tribal communities against land alienation and social injustice.
 

With inputs from IANS