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Ambikapur, November 20, 2025: President Droupadi Murmu today described the Central Government’s ‘Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan’, ‘Dharti Aba Janjati Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan’, and ‘Pradhan Mantri Janman Abhiyan’ as important steps for the upliftment of tribal society.
Addressing the Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas (Tribal Pride Day) programme held in Ambikapur today, President Murmu said that all these schemes are providing new opportunities for education, livelihood, health, and development to millions of tribal families in the country.
Murmu said that India is the mother of democracy, and this is reflected in tribal traditions like the ‘Muria Darbar’ of Bastar. She said that the tribal heritage of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha is extremely rich and interconnected.
She informed that during her tenure, the ‘Tribal Darpan’ museum was established in Rashtrapati Bhavan, where tribal art and culture have been given special importance.
In his address, the President praised the Chhattisgarh government and Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai for celebrating the Janjatiya Gaurav (Tribal Pride) Fortnight in Chhattisgarh, establishing the Tribal Freedom Fighter Museum, and implementing government schemes effectively.
Murmu informed that the Chhattisgarh Tribal Development Department received the National Award for its outstanding work at the “Adi Karmayogi” National Conference held in Delhi. She congratulated Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai and his entire team for this achievement.
Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai stated in his address that Chhattisgarh was fortunate that the President, despite her busy schedule, attended this ceremony, enhancing the state’s prestige.
Referring to the President’s meeting with Naxal-affected families a few days ago, the Chief Minister said that she displayed a compassionate image by inquiring personally with each victim.
Chief Minister Sai stated that Chhattisgarh has a rich history and that the tribal community here has made invaluable contributions to the country’s independence.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also present at the recent Silver Jubilee celebrations held on November 1st, and he inaugurated a museum dedicated to tribal figures involved in the freedom struggle.
He informed that the Martyr Veer Narayan Singh Memorial and Museum has been constructed to preserve the memories of the heroes of the tribal uprising, and it was dedicated to the public by the Prime Minister on State Foundation Day. This is the country’s first tribal museum, where the tribal history can be viewed digitally.
The Chief Minister said that the President’s honouring of the families of the heroes of the tribal uprising and freedom fighters today is a matter of pride for all. Tribal leaders were also honoured, who are constantly raising awareness among the society through their knowledge and experience.
Sai said that under the Pradhan Mantri Janman Yojana, development work is progressing rapidly in 2,365 settlements in 53 development blocks of the state. Similarly, under the Dharti Aba Tribal Village Utkarsh Abhiyan, development works are being provided to 6,691 villages in 32 districts of the state.
He said that the collection amount for tendu leaf collectors has been increased from Rs. 4,000 to Rs. 5,500, and the distribution of Charan Paduka (shoe) has been resumed.
The Chief Minister said that due to the strong will of Prime Minister Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Naxalism is now in its final stages, and the state is rapidly progressing towards the goal of its complete eradication by March 2026.
He said that due to the public welfare policies of the Chhattisgarh government, the light of development has reached Naxal-affected areas. Due to an attractive rehabilitation policy, many displaced people are joining the mainstream and living a happy life. Through the Niyad Nella Nar scheme, infrastructure is being expanded in remote areas, and tribal communities are continuously benefiting from various government schemes.
Chhattisgarh Governor Ramen Deka said that Tribal Pride Day is a day to celebrate one’s identity, cultural heritage, and remember the brave ancestors who filled tribal history with glorious chapters.
Honouring the President of the country, Murmu, who was present at the ceremony, the Governor said that her inspiring journey from a humble background to the highest constitutional position in the nation is an example for all of India.
Referring to the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, the Governor recalled many inspiring incidents from his personality and struggle. He said that Birsa Munda led a courageous campaign against drug addiction, injustice, and superstition. The “Ulgulan” led by him was a historic movement challenging British rule, giving a new direction to the fight for tribal self-respect and rights.
He said that great heroes like Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh, Raja Gend Singh, Kangla Manjhi, Veer Sitaram Kanwar, and Gundadhur, through their sacrifice and struggle, took the freedom movement and tribal pride to new heights. Their contributions will forever remain immortal in the memories of the state.
Union Minister of State Durgadas Uikey said that Lord Birsa Munda was not only a hero of Jharkhand or the tribal community, but also a symbol of self-respect, honour, pride, dignity, and social justice for the entire country. He dedicated every moment of his life to public welfare and the struggle for independence. He organized his community and taught them the lessons of self-respect and freedom.
The Union Minister said that Birsa Munda was not only a warrior but also a social reformer and spiritual guru. His life teaches that any person, regardless of their birthplace, can change history if they possess true dedication and self-awareness.
He said that during the Amrit Kaal of Independence, great leaders, freedom fighters, and great men from the tribal community across the country are being identified and given their rightful place in history. Memorials are being built at the birthplaces of great tribal leaders. Places of worship for tribal people are being selected and revived.
Chhattisgarh’s Tribal Development Minister Ram Vichar Netam said that on November 15th, Tribal Pride Day was celebrated across the country and state on the occasion of Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary. In that context, today’s grand event is being held, and its grandeur has been enhanced manifold by the President’s presence.
He said that the tradition of Tribal Pride Day began with the 150th birth anniversary of Lord Birsa Munda due to the efforts and inspiration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and today, on his 151st birth anniversary, the reunion of tribal communities across the country is extremely important. Its main objective is to remember, preserve, and inspire the future direction of tribal communities.
Dance troupes awarded
At the ceremony, President Murmu awarded the winning participants: Lingo Gotul Mandri Nacha Party, Kondagaon, who won first place in the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Folk Art Festival Dance Competition, and Jai Mata Di Karma Dance Party, Kansabel, who won first place in the North Chhattisgarh Tribal Folk Art Festival (Karma Mahotsav) Competition.
During this, Chief Minister Sai presented a memento depicting the courage of Bhagwan Birsa Munda to the President and the Governor presented a memento related to wall painting.
On this occasion, Finance Minister Om Prakash Chaudhary, Tourism and Culture Minister Rajesh Agarwal, Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap, Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Rajwade, MP Chintamani Maharaj, MLA Purandar Mishra, MLA Kiran Singh Dev, Mayor Ambikapur Manjusha Bhagat were also present.
