To mark the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, KISS Deemed to be University, organized a series of events under the theme Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas (Tribal Pride Day) as part of the Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh (Year of Tribal Pride). The events were organized by the Research Chair of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, led by Dr. Arpana Premi Lina Oraon, and aimed to honor the life, legacy, and contributions of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, a revered tribal leader who played a crucial role in the history of the tribal communities in India. These celebrations not only highlighted the leadership of Bhagwan Birsa Munda but also reaffirmed KISS’s commitment to tribal education and cultural preservation.
The celebrations began with the Janjatiya Pakhwada (Tribal Fortnight), a period of educational and cultural programs organized on the university campus. This initiative sought to engage students, faculty, and staff in discussions and activities centered around the history, culture, and contributions of tribal communities, especially in relation to Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s legacy. The campus was beautifully adorned with tribal motifs and images that depicted the life and struggles of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, creating an atmosphere of reverence and celebration. The Pakhwada encouraged students and faculty from various departments to reflect on the importance of tribal identity and the pivotal role that tribal leaders like Birsa Munda played in shaping modern-day tribal consciousness.
A significant event during the celebrations was the Painting and Slogan Competition held on 14th November, which invited participation from Undergraduate (UG), Postgraduate (PG), and Ph.D. scholars. The competition focused on the theme “The Legacy of Bhagwan Birsa Munda”, presenting a platform to the students to express their understanding of the impact of his life and works through visual art and creative slogans. The competition saw a wide range of artistic expressions, from paintings that illustrated Birsa Munda’s leadership in the Ulgulan (Munda Rebellion) to slogans that highlighted his vision for justice and equality for tribal people. The event was a unique opportunity for students to engage deeply with the subject matter and creatively interpret the enduring significance of Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s contributions to tribal society.
On 15th November, the university held a Grand Garlanding Ceremony to mark the culmination of the celebrations. The event was attended by a large gathering of faculty, students, and staff, as well as senior functionaries. The Founder of KISS and KIIT Prof. Achyuta Samanta , graced the occasion and delivered an inspiring speech. In his address, the Founder highlighted Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s relentless struggle for the rights of tribal people and his role as a visionary leader. The Founder’s speech emphasized the relevance of Birsa Munda’s ideals in contemporary society and underscored the importance of celebrating and preserving tribal culture and heritage.
Following the Garlanding Ceremony, the prize distribution ceremony for the winners of the Painting and Slogan Competition took place. The Founder personally awarded the prizes, acknowledging the hard work and creativity of the participants. This moment was a special highlight, as it not only celebrated the artistic achievements of the students but also reinforced the importance of recognizing and honoring the legacy of tribal leaders like Bhagwan Birsa Munda. The award ceremony was followed by cultural performances, including poetry recitations and songs dedicated to the life and struggles of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. These performances were heartfelt expressions of respect and admiration, performed by both students and faculty, and captured the spirit of the occasion.
The event was attended by several distinguished dignitaries, including Professor Deepak Kumar Behera, Advisor KISS-DU and Professor S. Gregory, Member Secretary, United India Anthropology Forum, played a pivotal role in organizing the celebrations. The presence of these esteemed figures added academic and intellectual depth to the event, as they contributed to discussions on the significance of Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s legacy. The university’s senior functionaries, including the Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Kashi Nath Jena, Registrar Dr. Prashanta Kumar Routray, Deans, Centre Heads, Directors, Core Committee members, faculty, and students, were present, showing their collective commitment to celebrating tribal pride and heritage.
The speeches and cultural programs throughout the event helped to deepen the understanding of Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s contributions. Munda, often hailed as the “God of the Munda Tribe,” led a fierce rebellion against British colonial rule in the late 19th century, known as the Ulgulan (Munda Rebellion). His vision of a just and free society for the tribal communities, where they could live with dignity and freedom from exploitation, remains a source of inspiration to this day. The celebration of his 150th birth anniversary at KISS served as a powerful reminder of the ongoing relevance of his ideals, particularly in the context of modern-day tribal struggles for social and economic justice.
The celebrations at KISS were a fitting tribute to Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s legacy and a demonstration of the university’s commitment to the empowerment and education of tribal communities. Through a blend of academic activities, cultural programs, and symbolic gestures of respect, the event fostered a deeper appreciation for the tribal heritage and the role of tribal leaders in shaping India’s history. The celebrations not only honored Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s life but also reinvigorated the spirit of tribal pride among students and faculty, reaffirming KISS’s role as a center for preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of India’s Indigenous communities.
