On the occasion of 150th birth anniversary of tribal leader Birsa Munda, Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated Raja Shankar Shah and Raja Raghunath Shah Tribal Museum near Malgodam in Jabalpur, on Friday. Dedicated to the memory of tribal freedom fighters Raja Shankar Shah and his son Kunwar Raghunath Shah, the museum, built at a cost of Rs 14 crore, highlights sacrifices and contributions of tribal heroes in the 1857 War of Independence. The museum is situated at the historic site where the father-son duo laid down their lives for the nation’s freedom. In 2021, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had laid the foundation stone for the museum as part of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations.

 

On the occasion, Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas Samaroh was also organised in the city. State Public Works Department Minister Rakesh Singh was the chief guest of the programme while MP Ashish Dubey presided over the function. Live telecast of Rashtriya Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas celebrations held in Bihar was screened, where PM Modi addressed the people. A huge gathering watched and listened to his speech. A number of beneficiaries were also provided with approval letters for various government schemes. School students also gave cultural performances, showcasing the rich heritage of tribal communities. Addressing the huge gathering on the occasion, PWD Minister Rakesh Singh highlighted valiant efforts of Birsa Munda against British rule and pivotal role played by Raja Shankar Shah and Kunwar Raghunath Shah in 1857 revolution. He recalled their tragic martyrdom, as they were executed by the British by being tied to the mouths of cannons. Singh emphasised that their sacrifices symbolise tribal pride and that the museum will inspire future generations by narrating their heroic tales.

 

He also acknowledged the continuous efforts of Modi-led Government in supporting tribal welfare with the launch of several new tribal-centric schemes. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared that the birth anniversary of tribal hero Birsa Munda will be celebrated as Tribal Pride Day in recognition of his remarkable contributions. During a national event, PM Modi announced that year 2025 would be commemorated as Birsa Munda Year, further solidifying the government’s commitment to honouring tribal heritage. Singh said PM Modi’s initiatives have significantly uplifted the tribal community, enabling them to live with dignity and pride.

 

Where once they lived in impoverished conditions, today they benefit from schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Ayushman Bharat health cards and initiatives aimed at eradicating sickle cell anemia. He said the release of a commemorative postal stamp in Birsa Munda’s name further highlighted the Prime Minister’s deep connection and respect for the tribal community. MP Ashish Dubey also addressing the programme. MLAs Ashok Rohani, BJP City President, Prabhat Sahu, former Divisional Commissioner Deepak Khandekar, IG Anil Kushwaha, DIG T K Vidhyarthi, Collector Deepak Saxena, SP Sampat Upadhyay, Municipal Commissioner Preeti Yadav, Deputy Commissioner of Tribal Welfare J S Sarwate along with others were also present on the occasion.