Celebrating Tribal Heritage: PM Modi's Initiatives on Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas

PM Modi's Address on Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas

In November 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas program, marking the 150th birth anniversary of the esteemed tribal leader and freedom fighter, Dharti Aaba Bhagwan Birsa Munda. The event took place in Dediapada, a town in the tribal-dominated Narmada district of Gujarat. During this occasion, PM Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for several development projects valued at over Rs 9,700 crore.

Significance of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas

The Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas holds immense significance as it commemorates the contributions of Birsa Munda to India's freedom struggle and highlights the cultural and historical heritage of tribal communities. This year's celebration saw the launch of infrastructure and welfare projects aimed at improving the living standards of tribal populations.

Key Initiatives Announced

• PM Modi inaugurated 1 lakh Grih houses under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) and Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DA-JAGUA).
• He also launched 42 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) to support tribal education, constructed at a cost of approximately Rs 1,900 crore.
• The inauguration included 228 multi-purpose centers serving as community hubs.
• Additionally, 250 buses were flagged off to enhance connectivity in 14 tribal districts across Gujarat.

Foundation Stones Laid for Future Developments

PM Modi laid the foundation stone for 748 km of new roads to improve connectivity in tribal areas. He also initiated the construction of 14 Tribal Multi-Marketing Centres (TMMCs) under DA-JAGUA, designed to act as community hubs. Furthermore, 50 new EMRSs are planned, with an estimated cost exceeding Rs 2,320 crore, reinforcing the Government of India's commitment to providing quality education for tribal children.

Promoting Tribal Languages and Culture

During the event, PM Modi announced the establishment of the Shri Govind Guru Chair for Tribal Language Promotion Centre (TLPC) at the Birsa Munda Tribal University in Gujarat. This center aims to study and preserve tribal dialects and cultural heritage, including stories and songs of communities like Bhil, Gamit, Vasava, and many others.

Impact of Government Initiatives

The Government of India has significantly increased its focus on tribal development. Over the past six years, more than Rs 18,000 crore has been allocated to Eklavya Model Residential Schools, resulting in a 60% increase in tribal enrolment. The Dharti Aaba Tribal Village Utkarsh Abhiyan has brought essential services like piped drinking water and telemedicine to over 60,000 villages. The number of Minor Forest Produce (MFP) items under Minimum Support Price (MSP) has also risen from 20 to nearly 100, directly benefiting tribal farmers by promoting Shri Anna.

The initiatives launched on Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas are a testament to the government’s dedication to uplift tribal communities and enhance their quality of life through improved infrastructure and educational opportunities.