Lumami, November 17 (MTNews): Nagaland University, Hqrs Lumami observed the Birth Anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda on November 15 as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas with a debate competition on “Contribution of Janajati Heroes in Freedom Struggle.”
Prof. M.K. Sinha Dean, School of Social Sciences, Nagaland University was the Chief Guest. The Program was chaired by Prof. Athungo Ovung, HoD, Department of Sociology.
The Chief Guest Prof. M.K. Sinha in his speech dwelt on the Birsa Munda. He pointed out that it was on the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda that the Government of India decided to observe the ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas’ to honour the memory of the tribal peoples’ contribution to the Indian Freedom Struggle. Unfortunately, history did not focus on their contribution in the freedom struggle. He added that tribal people were not only exploited by the Britishers but also by the money lender and merchants.
He said that the tribal people were ruthlessly suppressed and harassed. He also talked about how on 30th June 1855, two Santali leaders, Sidhu Murmu and Kanhu Murmu started an agitation which became violent. Despite attempt by Britishers to suppress it, the agitation continued. He mentioned about the North Eastern tribal hero from Manipur Rani Gaidinliu who was put behind bars because she raised her voice against the Britishers. In sum, the tribal heroes’ contribution to the Indian freedom movement was huge.
Providing a feedback on the debate, Prof. Upasana Bora, HoD, Department of Chemistry stated that it is the because of the fault in the education system that we are forgetting our tribal heroes. She acknowledged and considered the debaters as heroes as they endeavoured to disseminate the struggles of our tribal heroes.
The First Prize in the Debate Competition went to Khotai, while the Second Prize was shared by Rose Mozhii and Vikhelhou Nagi, and the Third Prize too was shared by Namsong N. and Salonger Jamir. Eleven students took part in the debate competition.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Dipika Paul, Dept of Sociology.
Meanwhile, The Nagaland Tribal Research Institute, Department of Tribal Affairs organized Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas 2022 Evening Cultural program on November 16 at Capital Convention Centre Kohima with Minister of Tribal Affairs & Higher Education Temjen Imna Along as Special Guest.
Imna Along in his speech congratulated all the tribal cultural troupes for actively taking part in the commemoration of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas 2022. Along said the first-ever program of Janjatiya Nagaland also joins with the 12 Crore tribal population across the country and stated that indigenous followers are called Janjatiya which means tribal.
Along recalled how under the leadership of Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio, the Tribal Affairs department was set up and added that the activities are progressing rapidly. He further encouraged the Naga Tribes, in general, to construct unity among the different tribes and give their concern towards unity.
According to him, the program is to create good relationships and oneness and encourage the 17 Naga Tribes to stand for the same. The Minister also apprised the Tribal Affairs department to organize such kind of activities from time to time to create more closeness among the Naga brothers and sisters
The Minister said that Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas’ name is given on 15 November by the Union Cabinet of the Government of India as tribal pride day to honor tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda.