Birsa Munda’s Ulgulan continues against illiteracy, exploitation, environmental destruction: Malhotra

On the 126th death anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda on Tuesday, the Scheduled Tribe (ST) Morcha of the Delhi BJP organized a commemorative programme at Baansera Park to pay tribute to the great tribal freedom fighter and social reformer.

Delhi BJP president Harsh Malhotra, along with party’s state unit ST Morcha president C.L. Meena and party workers, offered floral tributes at the memorial of Birsa Munda and paid their respects to the legend.

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Speaking on the occasion, Malhotra said on June 9, 1900, at an age of 25 years, the great son of India passed away in Ranchi Jail due to the cruelty of the British regime. However, he did not die. He lives on in the heart of every tribal citizen and in every struggle for the protection of water, forests, and land.

He further said that Bhagwan Birsa Munda was not merely a freedom fighter, but a revolutionary saint and social reformer.

In 1895, when the erstwhile administration began depriving tribal communities of their lands through the exploitative Zamindari system and forced labour practices, young Birsa Munda raised the slogan, “Abua Dishom, Abua Raj” (Our Land, Our Rule).

He led the historic Ulgulan (The Great Rebellion) and inspired tribal communities to challenge British oppression despite being armed only with traditional weapons such as bows and arrows.

Malhotra stated that Munda gave the nation three enduring messages, including Protection of Water, Forests, and Land, Freedom from Superstition, and Never to compromise on self respect.

Birsa Munda taught that forests are not merely a source of timber but are like a mother to tribal communities. At a time when environmental concerns have become a global challenge, his message is more relevant than ever, the Delhi BJP chief added.

Through the Birsait faith movement, he opposed alcoholism, animal sacrifice, and social exploitation, while encouraging people to live clean and disciplined lives, pursue education, and believe in one God.

Despite his incarceration and severe oppression back in the day, Munda never bowed before injustice and embraced martyrdom at the a young age, never surrendering his dignity or principles.

Malhotra said while commemorating Munda’s death anniversary in 2026, merely garlanding his portrait is not enough, and the true tribute lies in ensuring the welfare, education, and empowerment of tribal communities and in protecting their natural resources and rights.