Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered Odia freedom fighter Birsa Munda for his notable sacrifices to protect his culture, local forest as well as land while addressing the nation Sunday morning in his radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’.
Birth anniversary of tribal icon Birsa is November 15.
“Bhagwan Birsa Munda is also known as ‘Dharti Aaba’. Do you know what this epithet means? It means the father of earth. The way Bhagwan Birsa Munda fought to protect his culture, his forest, his land, it could have only been done by Dharti Aaba,” Modi said.
The Prime Minister went on to add that Birsa taught to be proud of one’s own culture and origin. British regime had subjected him to innumerable threats and pressures. However, the tribal leader identified himself with own culture and tradition throughout his life.
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“If we have to learn to love nature and the environment, for that too, Dharti Aaba Bhagwan Birsa Munda is one of our greatest inspirations. He strongly opposed every such policy of foreign rule, which was detrimental for the environment,” the Prime Minister further said.
Birsa always remained at the front in helping poor and distressed people. He made his fellowmen aware of eliminating social evils.
“Who can forget Birsa’s leadership during the UIgulan movement? This movement shook the British and as an aftermath, the British had declared a huge reward on the tribal man. The British government put him in jail and he was tortured to such an extent that he left us at the age of less than 25 years. He left us, but only in the body; in the public psyche, Birsa Munda will reside forever,” Modi said.
“I bow to ‘Dharti Aaba’ Bhagwan Birsa Munda and urge the youth to read more about him. The more you (youngsters) know about the rare contribution of our tribal populace in the freedom struggle of India, the more you (youngsters) will feel proud,” the PM concluded.
It is pertinent to mention here that Birsa Munda’s life story remains a driving force for many people. Folk songs and stories depicting his courage and valiance remain popular even to this day.
PNN