One-day programme on Contribution of Janjati Heroes in Freedom Struggle held at Central University of Punjab

Bathinda, November 15, 2022:  The Central University of Punjab, in collaboration with the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST), organized a one-day programme titled "Contribution of Janjati Heroes in Freedom Struggle" today. The Chief Guest and the Guest of Honor of this programme were Hariram Meena, IPS (Retd.), and Sharad Kamlakar Chavhan, Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, respectively. Surat Singh, Director, NCST, graced the programme as a special guest.
At the outset, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari, along with distinguished guests, paid floral tribute to Birsa Munda Ji, an Indian tribal freedom fighter, and folk hero who belongs to the Munda Tribe, on his birth anniversary.

While introducing the programme theme, Dr. Hareet Meena, HoD, Dept. of History, informed that this programme is organized on the occasion of the Rashtriya Janjatiya Gaurav Divas to commemorate the contribution of brave tribal freedom fighters in the Indian Independence Movement.

The Guest of Honor, Sharad Kamlakar Chavhan, stated that the tribal community registered their rebellion against British rule and fought the nation’s freedom struggle for nearly 200 years. He underlined the role of several tribal freedom fighters in the freedom struggle, such as Birsa Munda (Jharkhand), Tilka Manjhi (Bihar), Budhu Bhagat (Jharkhand), Tirot Sing (Maghalaya), Telanga Kharia (Jharkhand), Veer Surendra Sai (Odisha), Govind Guru (Rajasthan), Gunda Dhur (Jharkhand) and many others.

The Chief Guest, Hariram Meena, IPS (Retd.) mentioned that when the British started to expand their empire in India, they were not expecting the tribal community to revolt against them. The British government was shocked to see how, without proper education, the tribal community was planning a war with such fine weapons. He added that there are many unsung tales of brave tribal warriors in every corner of the state and country. We must not forget the contribution of national heroes.
The program included a Film on the Journey of Tribal Heroes by the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes. Shri Surat Singh Director, NCST, informed the audience about NCST and its activities along with explaining its motto of Asmita (Self Esteem), Astitva (Identity) and Vikas (Growth).

In his presidential address, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari informed participants about India's rich traditions, folk songs, and stories, as well as how tribal society has always been an integral part of Indian civilization and culture, with its unique traditions and high virtues of life. He urged participants to always remember the vital contribution tribal communities made to our freedom struggle and take inspiration from them for the adoption of sustainable lifestyle practices for environmental conservation.

Towards the end, Prof. B.P. Garg, Controller of Examinations and Registrar (O), gave a formal vote of thanks. The programme was attended by faculty and students of the university.