A three-day programme commemorating the 150th Birth Anniversary of Birsa Munda was organised by Sri Yallamma Cultural Association from 13 to 15 November at Sabha Bhavan, Nehru High School, Onikere Sugavi, Sirsi, Karnataka in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture. The event highlighted Birsa Munda’s role as a tribal freedom fighter, social reformer, and spiritual leader, and aimed to raise awareness of his contributions to India’s tribal communities.
The programme was attended by dignitaries including Mr. Kumar Bekkeri, Mr. Nagaraj Hegde, Mr. Ganapathi Bhat, Mr. Manoj Palekar, Mrs. Deepa Talvaar, and Mr. Raam Prasad, with inaugural participation by Hon. Mr. Rajappa. The focus was on educating communities and youth about Birsa Munda’s leadership, his resistance to British exploitation, and the significance of preserving tribal identity and cultural heritage.
Day one included registration, a lamp-lighting ceremony, inaugural remarks, and an address by Hon. Mr. Vasanth Naik on Birsa Munda’s early life, the Ulgulan movement, and the observance of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas. Cultural performances by Jaanapada Nritya artistes, Dollu Kunitha performers, Lambani folk dancers, and traditional music groups showcased the vibrancy of tribal culture and evoked themes of unity and resilience.
The second day featured educational sessions, including a lecture by Hon. Mr. Rajappa on British oppression, the evolution of the Birsait movement, Birsa Munda’s call for “Abua Raj seter jana,” and his sacrifice at the age of 25. A presentation titled The Life & Legacy of Birsa Munda displayed archival visuals, accompanied by a puppet play Veera Birsa illustrating key moments of his life. Stand-up comedy by Ragavendra Hunasuru provided social commentary, while children took part in rangoli, painting, and general knowledge competitions based on tribal history and Birsa Munda’s contributions.
The final day included prize distribution and an address by Mr. Kumar Bekkeri on youth responsibility, cultural grounding, and social equality. A concluding drama depicted Birsa Munda’s transformation, the Ulgulan movement, and his martyrdom. The three-day programme effectively promoted awareness of tribal history, rights, and cultural identity, encouraging students, youth, women, and community members to uphold Birsa Munda’s legacy. This event was organized as a part of the ongoing commemoration of 150th Birth Anniversary of Birsa Munda by the Ministry of Culture.
