16-November-2024-Special-Article

JANJATIYA GAURAV DIVAS: CELEBRATING TRIBAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO INDIA’S FREEDOM STRUGGLE

Janjatiya Gaurav Divas is a significant occasion observed annually on 15th November to honour and celebrate the contributions of India’s tribal communities, especially in the fight for India’s independence.

This day highlights the sacrifices made by tribal leaders and freedom fighters like Birsa Munda, whose legacy continues to inspire millions.

What is Janjatiya Gaurav Divas?

Janjatiya Gaurav Divas was first celebrated in 2021 to recognize the role of tribal communities in India’s freedom struggle and their immense sacrifices. It was initiated as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, marking the 75th anniversary of India’s independence. The day also serves to acknowledge the ongoing contributions of tribal communities in modern India.

• Key Purpose: The day is dedicated to acknowledging the invaluable contributions made by tribal freedom fighters and their vital role in India’s independence.
• Tribal Communities’ Role: Several tribal groups, including the Santhals, Bhils, Khasis, Mizos, and others, led courageous anti-colonial movements. One of the most prominent among them was the Ulgulan (Revolution) led by Birsa Munda.

Highlights of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas 2024

During the 2024 celebrations, several initiatives and programs aimed at improving the well-being of tribal communities were launched by the Prime Minister.

• PM-JANMAN: The Prime Minister launched the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) to inaugurate 11,000 houses for tribal people, promoting their access to housing and basic amenities.
• Healthcare Improvements: 23 Mobile Medical Units (MMUs) were introduced to bring healthcare services to remote tribal areas, ensuring better access to health services for tribal communities.
• DAJGUA: The Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA) saw the inauguration of an additional 30 MMUs to further strengthen healthcare infrastructure in tribal regions.
• Tribal Entrepreneurship & Education:
  • 300 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) were inaugurated, aiming to enhance tribal entrepreneurship.
  • The Prime Minister also inaugurated 10 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) for tribal students, with plans to build 25 more such schools.
• Cultural Preservation: Two Tribal Freedom Fighters’ Museums were inaugurated in Madhya Pradesh (Chhindwara and Jabalpur) to preserve and showcase the history of tribal struggles. Additionally, two Tribal Research Institutes were inaugurated in Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir) and Gangtok (Sikkim).

Who was Birsa Munda?

Birsa Munda was a revered tribal leader and freedom fighter, born on 15th November 1875 in the Chota Nagpur Plateau, which is now part of Jharkhand. He played a significant role in resisting British colonial rule and the missionary influence on tribal communities.

• Early Life and Background: Birsa belonged to the Munda tribe. Growing up in the tribal regions, he became aware of the challenges faced by his community, especially under colonial rule.
• Founding the Birsait Sect: Birsa Munda founded the Birsait sect, which sought to promote tribal identity and resist religious conversions by missionaries. His movement attracted large numbers of followers from the Munda and Oraon tribes.
• Ulgulan (The Great Tumult): In 1899, Birsa Munda led a rebellion known as the Ulgulan, aiming to establish a self-governed tribal state, Birsa Raj, and resist British rule. He employed guerrilla warfare tactics to fight against colonial forces.
• Arrest and Death: Birsa Munda was captured by the British in 1900 and died under mysterious circumstances while in custody at the age of just 25. Despite his early death, his legacy lived on, and his efforts played a role in forcing the British to introduce laws to protect tribal lands.
• Legacy: In recognition of his contributions, the state of Jharkhand was formed on his birth anniversary (15th November) in 2000, honoring his vision and sacrifices.

Sardari Agitation

The Sardari Agitation (1858–1890) was a movement that emerged as a response to the exploitation of tribal communities in Chotanagpur, especially due to forced labor and illegal rent hikes by landlords. The movement, led by the Sardars, resisted the socio-economic oppression faced by the tribal people.

Key Initiatives Supporting Tribal Development

India has launched several initiatives to improve the living standards, education, and overall development of tribal communities:

Financial and Social Support:

• Union Budget Allocation: In 2024-25, the Union Budget allocated Rs 13,000 crore to the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, a significant increase of 73.6% from the previous year, aiming to empower tribal communities.
• DAJGUA Scheme: With an allocation of Rs 79,156 crore, this program targets improving the social infrastructure in tribal areas, benefiting millions of tribal individuals in over 63,000 villages.
• PM-JANMAN: This initiative, launched in 2023, focuses on the welfare of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) with schemes for healthcare, financial inclusion, and community support.

Education and Skill Development:

• EMRS: Eklavya Model Residential Schools provide quality education to tribal children, helping to bridge the educational gap in remote areas.
• Adivasi Shiksha Rinn Yojana (ASRY): This scheme provides soft loans to tribal students pursuing higher education.
• Scholarships: A variety of scholarships for tribal students, including Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarships, and National Overseas Scholarships, are provided to enhance educational opportunities.

Income Generation and Empowerment:

• Term Loan Scheme: Provides financial assistance to tribal entrepreneurs, with up to 90% loan coverage.
• Adivasi Mahila Sashaktikaran Yojana: Offers concessional loans to tribal women to promote entrepreneurship.
• Micro Credit Scheme: Supports tribal groups with loans up to Rs 5 lakh to foster economic independence.

Health and Welfare:

• Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission: Targets the elimination of sickle cell anemia, which affects many tribal populations.
• Mission Indradhanush: Aims to improve vaccination coverage in tribal regions.
• Nikshay Mitra Initiative: Aimed at tackling tuberculosis in tribal areas.
• National Health Mission: Provides healthcare services to remote tribal areas, ensuring access to basic health needs.

Conclusion

Janjatiya Gaurav Divas serves as a reminder of the immense sacrifices made by tribal communities in India’s struggle for independence. The ongoing government initiatives continue to support tribal development, focusing on healthcare, education, economic empowerment, and cultural preservation, ensuring a brighter future for these communities.

Mains Question:

1. “Discuss the significance of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas in recognizing tribal contributions to India’s freedom struggle and evaluate the effectiveness of recent government initiatives for tribal development.” (150 WORDS)