The Central University of Jharkhand on Saturday concluded its two-day “Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas” and “Swabhimani Birsa – 2025” celebrations, held to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. The closing day brought together cultural performances, traditional sports, photography, and academic reflections on the tribal icon’s legacy.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Kshiti Bhusan Das led the gathering in paying tribute to Birsa Munda. Olympian Sumrai Tete, painter C.R. Hembrom, World Tribal Queen 2025 Pooja Lakra, and Ranchi University Registrar Guru Charan Sahu were among the guests. In his address, Prof. Das said Birsa Munda’s life showed how self-respect can guide resistance and inspire collective progress. He praised the Centre for honouring tribal identity through Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas and said Jharkhand, now in its twenty-fifth year, must focus on weaker areas while building on its recent gains. He noted CUJ’s improvement from B to A grade and the steady progress of major projects.
A major attraction was the “Swabhimani Birsa” photography exhibition, where National Award winner Biju Toppo presented 50 photographs from his thirty-year archive. Works by Abhay Raj, Alok Pandey, Shubhangi Priya, Manish Shukla and Tanishq Suryansh were also displayed. Visitors spent time viewing the exhibits and exploring the stalls on the campus.
Traditional sports drew strong interest. Performers from the Jharkhand Mallakhamba Academy presented rope, pole, hanging and pyramid formations under the guidance of Academy Director Ajay Jha. The Vice-Chancellor said the demonstration would help CUJ develop Mallakhamba and archery facilities on campus. Players from the Kartik Oraon Archery Centre also participated in an exhibition round led by coaches Ranjit Tirkey and Jyoti Zalko.
A tribal fashion show showcased attire from Santhal, Oraon, Bhumij, Gond, Bodo, Mising, Kom and other communities. Winners of quizzes, essays, painting, poster-making and cultural competitions were awarded medals and certificates by Sumrai Tete.
The celebrations ended with traditional dance performances, including Chhau, Santhal, Kadsa, Paika and Mardani Jhumar, which kept the audience engaged late into the evening. The event, coordinated by Dr. Anurag Linda and his team, concluded on a note of pride and cultural unity.