As per the directives of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Govt of India, a fortnight long Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh Pakhwada (01-15 November, 2025) celebration was initiated in the tribal village of ‘Barapita’ in Khordha district of Odisha on 1st November, 2025 by ICAR-IIWM to mark and honor the 150th birth anniversary of one of the great social activists and tribal freedom fighters of India ‘Bhagwan Birsa Munda’. A total of 90 participants (81 famers & farmwomen, and 9 resource persons, invited guests, local school teachers & IIWM staff) besides about 50 tribal children witnessed the launching programme. At the outset, Dr. S.K. Mishra, Principal Scientist welcomed the participants and sensitized about the highly inspiring life history, sacrifices and active roles of Bhagwan Birsa Munda in India’s freedom struggle, who led the Ulgulan movement (or Munda Rebellion) against British oppression in the late 19th century and his role in fighting for the rights of tribal communities, defending their land, and preserving their cultural identity. His legacy continues to be honoured as a symbol of resistance and justice for indigenous people, Dr Mishra reiterated. Dr. H.K. Dash, Principal Scientist sensitized the participants about various welfare schemes and programme being undertaken by the Central and State governments through various ministries for the ‘Overall Socio Economic Development’ of tribal communities and guided them to get maximum benefits of those schemes and programmes through various local government offices and e-governance platforms. During the programme, a special ‘Health Awareness and Sensitization Programme’ was organized. A team of medical and paramedical staff from the Department of Community Medicines, AIIMS, Bhubaneswar led by Dr. Niraja Guru, Asst. Professor spoke about maintaining good health, hygiene and sanitation in homes and village surroundings and encouraged the participating tribal people to adhere to sanitation norms for leading a happy, healthy and peaceful life. The programme ended with a formal vote of thanks. Some of the action and activity photographs of Day-1 (01.11.2025) are presented below.
