Lok Sabha Question No. 809 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-04
Subject: Observance of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas
Ministry: TRIBAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Dr. Manna Lal Rawat

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 809

TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.12.2025

## OBSERVANCE OF JANJATIYA GAURAV DIWAS

## 809. DR. MANNA LAL RAWAT:

Will the Minister of TRIBAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) the date on which the Government had announced the observance of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas and the historical and social objectives which underlie this decision;
- (b) the name of the great national leader or tribal personality in whose memory this day is observed
- (c) whether any special programmes, exhibitions or awareness campaigns related to tribal history, culture, traditions and contributions are organised on this day and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) whether the Government proposes to celebrate this day on a larger scale in the future or to promote it at the international level?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR TRIBAL AFFAIRS (SHRI DURGADAS UIKEY)

- (a) The Government of India vide Gazette Notification bearing No. F. No. 20025/01/2021-TRI dated 12.11.2021 declared 15th November as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas to honour the contributions of tribal heroes in the freedom struggle, especially Bhagwan Birsa Munda, whose birth anniversary is being observed on 15th November.
- (b) Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas is observed to commemorate the Birth Anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, a revered tribal freedom fighter whose Ulgulan movement symbolised justice, dignity, and self-governance.

(c) Yes,  India's  year-long  observance  of  Janjatiya  Gaurav  Varsh  (November  2024-November 2025) became a national celebration of tribal pride, identity, and heritage. The year commemorated the 150th Birth Anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, one of India's most revered tribal freedom fighters  whose  spirit  of  Ulgulan  continues  to  inspire  movements  for  justice,  dignity,  and  selfgovernance. The roots of this celebration go back to 15 December 2021, when the Government of India  declared  Janjatiya  Gaurav  Diwas  on  the  birth  anniversary  of  Dharti  Aaba  to  honour  the contributions of tribal heroes in the country's freedom struggle. To mark the historic 150-year milestone, the Government designated the year as Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh, calling on the nation to celebrate its tribal communities with renewed pride and awareness.

Throughout  the  year,  India  witnessed  a  vibrant  wave  of  activities  across  states,  ministries, educational  institutions,  cultural  organisations,  and  grassroots  communities.  JJGV  quickly transformed  from  a  commemorative  announcement  into  a  nationwide  movement.  Exhibitions, cultural showcases, workshops, social media campaigns, sports events, and academic dialogues illuminated the diversity, resilience, and contributions of India's tribal societies. The momentum was especially visible during the 15-day JJGV Pakhwada, observed from 1 to 15 November 2025, which filled the country with celebration leading up to the grand observance of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas. Over 2.5 lakh events were registered on the official portal, including exhibitions, cultural showcases, workshops, sports meets,J an Sunwais in Adi Sewa Kendras and academic dialogues. During the Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh Pakhwada (1-15 November 2025), the momentum peaked with more than 2,04,074 events by 14,505 registered users comprising ministries, PSUs, schools, universities,  NGOs,  and  state  nodal  agencies  such  as  Tribal  Welfare  Departments  and  Tribal Research Institutes.

Major highlights included:

-  The Honble President paid floral tributes to a statue of Birsa Munda at Parliament House on his 150th birth anniversary in November 2025, along with Honble Vice President, Honble Speaker (Lok Sabha), Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson, alongside Honble MPs/Ministers of the Union
-  A grand national event at Dediyapada, Gujarat, attended by the Hon'ble Prime Minister , marking the culmination of celebrations and announcing projects worth ₹10,000 crore .
-  Honble Union Minister (Tribal Affairs) have made floral tributes to Bhagwan Birsa Munda at Birsa Munda Complex in Ulihatu, Khunti, to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda along with Jharkhand's State Foundation Day, alongside Honble Chief Minister of Jharkhand
-  Tribal Business Conclave at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi, showcasing 250 tribal enterprises, 150 exhibitors, and 100 startups under the 'Roots to Rise' platform.
-  NGO Conclave at Bhopal fostering collaboration for education, health, and livelihood initiatives.
-  National Tribal Literary Fest at Indian Habitat Centre, New Delhi, celebrating indigenous languages and oral traditions.
-  'Aadi Chitra' Exhibition in Mumbai displaying over 100 tribal paintings including Warli, Gond, Bhil, and Pithora art forms.

The culmination event of the celebration was held in Dediyapada, Gujarat, where Government of Gujarat in collaboration with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, and Ministry of Culture organised a grand national event attended by thousands, including tribal community members, artists, students, and dignitaries. The occasion was graced by the Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, whose  presence  highlighted  the  Government's  commitment  to  tribal  welfare  and  inclusive development.

- (d) Yes, the Government proposes to continue celebrating the Day on a large scale in future as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas to strengthen national and international awareness about tribal heritage, identity, and development.

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