Answer:

Introduction:

Birsa Munda was born on November 15, 1875, in Ulihatu, Jharkhand, and his birthday is commemorated annually as ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas’ by the Government of India, highlighting his enduring legacy. He played a pivotal role in resisting British colonial rule and advocating for tribal rights. As a leader of the Ulgulan movement, he not only mobilised tribal communities but also laid the foundation for modern tribal rights movements in India.

Body:

Contributions to the Indian Freedom Movement:

• Leadership in Ulgulan Movement: Birsa Munda led the Ulgulan movement to challenge the British-imposed zamindari system, which alienated tribals from their lands.
  For example: The movement forced the British to enact the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act (CNT) in 1908, protecting tribal lands from being easily transferred to non-tribals.
• Social and Religious Reforms: He founded the Birsait faith, which promoted monotheism, moral conduct, and the rejection of superstitions and alcoholism.
  For example: His followers, known as Birsaits, resisted both British influence and missionary activities, strengthening tribal unity and identity.
• Mobilisation Against Land Alienation: Birsa strongly opposed the policies that led to land alienation and exploitation by landlords and moneylenders.
  For example: His efforts in mobilising tribals against forced labour and unfair taxation highlighted the issues of land rights, leading to legislative changes to protect tribal interests.
• Unification of Tribal Communities: He unified various tribal groups across the Chotanagpur plateau to collectively resist British exploitation and preserve their traditional way of life.
  For example: His mobilisation efforts extended beyond the Munda tribe, involving other tribal communities in Jharkhand and surrounding regions, fostering a broader resistance movement.

Relevance of Birsa Munda’s Ideals in Present-Day:

• Protection of Tribal Lands: The protection of tribal lands remains a crucial issue today, with many tribals facing displacement due to industrial projects.
  For example: Movements against large-scale mining projects in tribal areas, like those in Niyamgiri, Odisha, draw inspiration from Birsa’s struggle for land rights.
• Empowerment through Education: Birsa emphasised education as a tool for empowerment, which is vital for the socio-economic upliftment of tribal communities today.
  For example: Initiatives like Eklavya Model Residential Schools aim to provide quality education to tribal children, reflecting Birsa’s vision for empowering tribal youth through education.
• Preservation of Tribal Culture and Identity: Birsa’s efforts to revive and preserve tribal culture are echoed in present-day initiatives to promote and protect tribal heritage.
  For example: The celebration of ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas’ on his birth anniversary is a step towards recognizing and honoring the cultural contributions of tribal communities.
• Advocacy for Tribal Rights: Birsa’s fight for justice and rights continues to inspire contemporary movements advocating for the legal and constitutional rights of tribals.
  For example: The implementation of the Forest Rights Act, which aims to recognize the rights of forest-dwelling tribes over ancestral lands, is a testament to his enduring legacy.

Conclusion:

Birsa Munda’s contributions to the Indian freedom movement were pivotal in highlighting the injustices faced by tribal communities under British rule. His ideals of land protection, cultural preservation, and education remain highly relevant in addressing the challenges faced by tribals today. To truly honour his legacy, it is essential to implement policies that safeguard tribal rights, promote socio-economic development, and preserve their rich cultural heritage. By doing so, we can ensure a more inclusive and equitable future for all tribal communities in India.