Latest news with #JanjatiyaGauravDiwas
Hans India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
EFLU hosts international conference on reframing research methodologies for tribal communities
The English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU), Hyderabad, launched a three-day international conference on Thursday titled 'Indigenous/Tribal Communities – Reframing Research Methodologies', bringing together academics, researchers, and tribal leaders to examine Indigenous Knowledge Systems and challenge conventional research paradigms. Inaugurating the event, Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma praised EFLU for addressing a topic of deep national importance. He urged institutions and scholars to move beyond colonial academic frameworks and give due recognition to indigenous knowledge as foundational, not supplementary. 'Let us not merely learn about indigenous communities, but learn from them,' the Governor said, adding that tribal cultures must not be assessed through Western academic lenses. Quoting Nobel Laureate Rigoberta Menchú, he asserted, 'We are not myths of the past… We are people and we want to be respected,' and highlighted the significance of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas in honouring the legacy of tribal leaders like Birsa Munda and the community's contribution to India's environmental and cultural heritage. EFLU Vice Chancellor Prof. N. Nagaraju reiterated the academic importance of indigenous worldviews, calling for greater inclusion of tribal perspectives within mainstream research. He outlined EFLU's initiatives in national capacity-building, particularly in language and skill development. The conference, organised by the Department of Indian and World Literatures, features speakers such as Prof. Y. L. Srinivas (Vice Chancellor, Sammakka Sarakka Central Tribal University), Prof. Deepak Kumar Behera (Guest of Honour), and Prof. Amareswar Galla (Keynote Speaker), along with university leadership and faculty. Conference sessions explore themes such as oral traditions, ecological wisdom, language preservation, participatory research, and decolonial humanities. The event also includes presentations by filmmakers and storytellers who showcase alternative, creative modes of knowledge that challenge dominant academic perspectives. The inaugural programme was hosted by Dr. K. Lavanya, who also delivered the vote of thanks.
The Hindu
19-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Those who label Kanwariyas as miscreants also alienated tribal communities, says U.P. CM Yogi
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday (July 18, 2025) in Varanasi alleged that the Kanwar Yatra is being deliberately defamed and its participants, the Kanwariyas, are being labelled as goons by elements who want to humiliate the heritage of India. Mr. Adityanath, who was speaking at a seminar on Tribal icon Birsa Munda, added that those who seek to defame the Kanwar Yatris are the same people who tried to separate the tribal community from India. 'They conspired at every level to make them fight against India. This is the same community that always insults the faith of India and these are the same people who today want to create a situation of caste conflict by creating fake accounts on social media platforms,' said Mr. Adityanath emphasizing that the Kanwar Yatra embodies unity transcending caste, creed, and sect. 'Today, the Yatra is progressing peacefully and with devotion, yet some label it as unruly. These are the same forces that try to mislead and provoke tribal communities. We must remain alert to such divisive elements,' he added. Mr. Adityanath cautioned people from anti-social elements who attempt to fuel caste and communal tensions. 'A few years ago, there was a case of arson. I had remarked then that such an act likely didn't belong to any particular community. The investigation later confirmed that the person involved was wearing a saffron scarf but was shouting 'Ya Allah'. These deceptive individuals must be exposed and excluded from society if we are to protect national unity,' said the U.P. CM, recalling an incident of a few years ago, adding the same forces who spread caste-based hatred online had also tried to provoke tribal communities against the nation. 'Such elements must face strict action,' he asserted. Praising the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for declaring November 15 as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas (Tribal Pride Day), Mr. Adityanath hailed the decision as something which installed a sense of respect and recognition in tribal communities. 'Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas is a gesture of gratitude and a bridge of communication with them,' he said.
Hans India
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
His sacrifice always inspires countrymen: PM Modi on Birsa Munda's death anniversary
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday paid tributes to legendary tribal leader and freedom fighter Bhagwan Birsa Munda on his 125th death anniversary, also known as 'Balidan Diwas', calling his life a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and commitment to tribal welfare and national pride. Taking to X, the Prime Minister wrote: "Respectful tribute to the great hero of the freedom struggle Bhagwan Birsa Munda ji on his Balidan Diwas. He dedicated his life to the welfare of the tribal brothers and sisters and to protecting their rights. His sacrifice and dedication will always inspire the countrymen." स्वतंत्रता संग्राम के महानायक भगवान बिरसा मुंडा जी को उनके बलिदान दिवस पर आदरपूर्ण श्रद्धांजलि। आदिवासी भाई-बहनों के कल्याण और उनके अधिकारों की रक्षा के लिए उन्होंने अपना जीवन समर्पित कर दिया। उनका त्याग और समर्पण देशवासियों को सदैव प्रेरित करता रहेगा। — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 9, 2025 Birsa Munda, born on November 15, 1875, in Ulihatu village -- now in Jharkhand -- emerged as a formidable force against British colonial rule in the late 19th century. Despite having limited formal education, he united Adivasi communities against exploitation by British officials, landlords, and missionaries and led a socio-religious movement to assert tribal identity and rights. Known as 'Dharti Aaba' or the 'Father of the Earth' by tribal communities, Birsa Munda laid down his life for the cause of Indigenous empowerment and resistance to colonial oppression. He died at the young age of 25 in British custody but left behind a legacy of resistance that continues to inspire tribal and non-tribal Indians alike. On November 15, 2024, PM Modi had launched the 150th birth anniversary year of Birsa Munda on Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, visiting Jamui in Bihar where he also unveiled development projects worth over Rs 6,640 crore. During the event, he released a commemorative coin and postage stamp in honour of the iconic tribal leader. Speaking then, PM Modi underlined the importance of honouring Birsa Munda's contributions, which had been "ignored for decades after Independence", and said the celebrations were a sincere attempt to bring long-overdue recognition to tribal history and heroism. The Modi government had declared November 15 as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas to honour tribal freedom fighters and their contributions to the country's independence and identity.
