West Bengal Celebrates Birsa Munda’s 150th Birth Anniversary with Grand Event in Hooghly

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, Hooghly, Nov 15, 2024 : In a significant celebration of tribal pride and heritage, the Hooghly district administration, under the initiative of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, commemorated the 150th birth anniversary of the revered tribal leader Birsa Munda. The event, held on Friday, took place at the Polba Dadpur block agricultural farm premises in Hooghly district. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurated the celebration virtually from Kolkata, marking a special occasion that honors the legacy of the freedom fighter and social reformer.

A host of prominent dignitaries from across the district joined the commemorative event, including Hooghly District Magistrate Mukta Arya, Chandannagar Police Commissioner Amit P. Javalgi, and Hooghly Rural Police Superintendent Kamnashis Sen. The occasion also saw the participation of Hooghly Member of Parliament (MP) and actress Rachana Banerjee, along with several local political and civic leaders such as Mitali Bagh, MLA Asit Majumdar, Asima Patra, Tapan Dasgupta, and District Council President Ranjan Dhara. Other notable figures in attendance included Assistant President Krishna Chandra Santra, Fisheries and Construction Worker Nirmalya Chakraborty, and District Council member Tia Patra.

The event began with a ceremonial lighting of the lamp by District Magistrate Mukta Arya and Police Commissioner Amit P. Javalgi, signifying the auspicious start of the day's celebrations. A range of cultural programs were organized to showcase the vibrant traditions of Birsa Munda’s community. The performances included traditional dance and music, with special emphasis on Southal dance, a cultural tribute to the tribal heritage. Local artists and performers brought to life the spirit of Birsa Munda’s fight for the rights of indigenous people through their powerful renditions.

Birsa Munda, born on November 15, 1875, is remembered as a revolutionary and tribal leader who played a key role in the Indian freedom struggle, particularly in the fight against British colonial rule and the exploitation of tribal communities. His leadership in the Ulgulan (the Munda Rebellion) is celebrated for its emphasis on social justice, tribal rights, and the preservation of indigenous cultures.

In her address, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her admiration for Birsa Munda’s contributions to both the freedom movement and the upliftment of tribal communities. She emphasized the importance of remembering leaders like Munda who fought for justice and equality and urged the people of West Bengal to continue to work towards the welfare of all marginalized communities.

The Hooghly district administration’s initiative to mark this milestone event reflects the state government’s ongoing commitment to recognizing and celebrating the diverse cultural and historical heritage of Bengal. The Chief Minister's virtual presence underscored the significance of the event and her administration’s dedication to honoring the legacy of tribal leaders who have shaped India's history.

As the day unfolded, the cultural programs, including dance performances and folk songs, brought together the people of Hooghly in a spirit of unity and pride, reminding them of their shared history and the enduring influence of Birsa Munda’s vision. The event was a testament to the power of cultural remembrance in fostering community identity and collective progress.