On the occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid heartfelt tributes to Bhagwan Birsa Munda, the iconic tribal freedom fighter. He emphasized the significance of the day in recognizing the contributions of tribal communities to India’s history and independence.
Since its establishment in 2021, Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, celebrated every year on 15 November, has become a symbol of respect for the sacrifices of tribal freedom fighters and their ongoing fight for dignity and rights.
PM Modi’s tribute focused on the urgent need to ensure the inclusive growth of tribal communities across the country.
The Modi Archive, a well-known social media account on X, shared a series of moments highlighting Prime Minister Modi’s personal interactions with tribal communities.
These experiences allowed him to gain a deep understanding of their struggles, motivating him to dedicate himself to their inclusive development.
Taking to X, Modi Archive posted, “Narendra Modi’s early years were marked by extensive travels on foot, bicycle, and motorcycle through remote tribal areas. Today, as we mark #JanjatiyaGauravDiwas, we reflect on the many experiences that helped him understand the struggles of tribal communities first hand and inspired him to work tirelessly toward their inclusive growth.”
Narendra Modi’s early years were marked by extensive travels on foot, bicycle, and motorcycle through remote tribal areas. Today, as we mark #JanjatiyaGauravDiwas, we reflect on the many experiences that helped him understand the struggles of tribal communities first hand and… pic.twitter.com/OGoSUYUldK
— Modi Archive (@modiarchive) November 15, 2024
A Touching Encounter With A Village Family
One of the most poignant incidents shared by the Modi Archive revolved around a visit by the then-RSS Swayamsevak Narendra Modi to a tribal village.
Taking to X, Modi Archive posted, “During one of his travels to a small village, @narendramodi visited the humble hut of a Swayamsewak who lived with his wife and young son.”
“The Swayamsewak’s wife offered Modi half a bajra roti with a bowl of milk in a gesture of hospitality. Modi noticed the child’s gaze was fixed intently on the milk, and he quickly understood that it was meant for the child. Having already had his breakfast, Modi ate just the roti with water, leaving the milk untouched. The child eagerly drank it all in one go, a sight that moved Modi to tears,” the post added.
It further added, “In that moment Modi realised the deep reality of poverty and hunger in his country.”
A Child’s Hunger
During one of his travels to a small village, @narendramodi visited the humble hut of a Swayamsewak who lived with his wife and young son.
The Swayamsewak’s wife offered Modi half a bajra roti with a bowl of milk in a gesture of hospitality. Modi noticed the…
— Modi Archive (@modiarchive) November 15, 2024
A Lesson In Tribal Welfare: ‘Twelve Days, Fifty Books’
In the 1980s, as PM Modi worked on establishing the Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, a fundraiser for tribal welfare, organized in Ahmedabad. During this event, PM Modi also delivered a passionate 90-minute speech on the challenges faced by tribal communities.
Taking to X, Modi Archive recounted, “Speaking with a passion and conviction that touched every heart in the room, Narendra Modi’s words were so moving that many businessmen offered blank cheques as donations, fully trusting his vision.”
The post further added, “In just 12 days, Modi immersed himself in over 50 books on tribal challenges, equipping himself to articulate these issues well!”
Twelve Days, Fifty Books
Young @narendramodi once gave a speech so impactful that businessmen offered blank cheques for tribal welfare!
In the early 1980s, as the foundation of the Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram was being laid in Ahmedabad a fundraiser was planned to support tribal…
— Modi Archive (@modiarchive) November 15, 2024
The Heartfelt Poem: ‘Maruti Ki Pran Pratishtha’
Another moving chapter in PM Modi’s journey with tribal communities took place in 1983. During a visit to southern Gujarat, he encountered the dire living conditions of tribals in Dharampur.
The sight of their poverty-stricken lives, marked by malnutrition and harsh living conditions, deeply impacted him. This experience inspired PM Modi to pen a heartfelt poem titled ‘Maruti Ki Pran Pratishtha’, reflecting on the struggles of the tribals.
Maruti ki Pran Pratishtha
In 1983, a journey to South Gujarat brought @narendramodi face-to-face with the plight of the tribals in Dharampur. Their struggles inspired him to pen a heartfelt poem, “Maruti ki Pran Pratishtha.”
Narendra Modi, then in RSS, was invited to… pic.twitter.com/4R2dnOBBgk
— Modi Archive (@modiarchive) November 15, 2024
‘Why is Bharat Not Progressing?’
In a powerful speech from 1985, PM Modi, then an RSS Swayamsevak, posed a question that still resonates today: “Why is Bharat not progressing?”
Despite being rich in natural resources, India, he noted, still plagued by poverty and underdevelopment, especially in tribal areas. He called for a national introspection, urging the government and society to address the plight of tribal communities and make their welfare a priority.
Why is Bharat Not Progressing?
In a powerful speech from 1985, @narendramodi questioned why India, rich in resources, was still grappling with poverty and underdevelopment after 38 years of independence. Highlighting the challenges of tribal and m arginalized communities, he… pic.twitter.com/vHsBs8dHzK
— Modi Archive (@modiarchive) November 15, 2024
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