RAIPUR,CG,BHARAT: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai on Tuesday pledged that 'Tribal Pride Day' will be celebrated in every district of Chhattisgarh on November 15, marking the birth anniversary of Lord Birsa Munda.

It aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiative to honour Birsa Munda's legacy. The 150th birth anniversary of the tribal leader will be celebrated in a grand manner across the state.

Speaking at a workshop titled ‘Glorious Past, Historical, Social, and Spiritual Contribution of Tribal Society’ held at the New Circuit House in Raipur, the Chief Minister emphasized the rich heritage of tribal communities. He highlighted that many great freedom fighters, such as Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh, Gand Singh, and Gundadhoor, hailed from tribal societies, where the tradition of fighting for the country has long been ingrained.

He noted that as the world faces serious challenges from climate change, the tribal society’s deep connection with nature offers valuable lessons in conservation. He pointed out that nature is revered in tribal communities, citing the Sarhul festival, celebrated in eastern Chhattisgarh when the Sal tree blooms. He also highlighted the gender equality present in tribal culture and the absence of social evils like dowry.

The Chief Minister praised the simplicity of tribal life, which he said fosters a natural way of living that avoids many lifestyle-related diseases like high blood pressure and diabetes. He added that the bravery of Lord Birsa Munda, who envisioned an exploitation-free society, continues to inspire.

Prime Minister Modi's Pradhan Mantri Janman Yojana, aimed at improving the lives of special backward tribes, is part of this vision. Tomorrow, the Prime Minister will launch the Pradhan Mantri Tribal Unnat Gram Abhiyan from Hazaribagh, benefiting over 5 crore people in 63,000 tribal-dominated villages.

Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap, emphasized the vital role tribal society played in India's freedom struggle. He noted that long before the 1857 revolution, tribal leaders were resisting British rule. He also recounted how tribal communities in Bastar protested the use of forest wood for railway construction, preserving much of the region’s natural resources through collective action.

Kashyap highlighted the significance of Bastar Dussehra, a testament to social harmony, and stressed the need to learn from the tribal society's practices, such as millet consumption and organic farming. He concluded by stating that the event will help pass down the rich legacy of tribal society to future generations.