India began observing Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh Pakhwada– a nationwide fortnight (1-15 November 2025) dedicated to celebrating the valour, vision, and cultural heritage of India’s tribal communities. The observance forms a key part of the year-long Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh (15 November 2024 – 15 November 2025), marking 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, one of India’s greatest tribal freedom fighters.
Organised under Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Pakhwada underscores India’s commitment to tribal inclusion, empowerment, and pride as integral to the nation’s growth story.
Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh (Tribal Pride Year)
Duration: 15 November 2024 – 15 November 2025
Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA)
Objective: Transform the annual Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas (celebrated on 15 November) into a year-long celebration of:
- Tribal pride and identity
- Socio-economic development of tribal regions
- Public participation in nation-building
- Recognition of tribal heroes and freedom struggles
Key Focus:
The observance promotes a “whole-of-government” and participatory governance model, building on flagship tribal-centric programmes such as:
- Dharti Aaba Janjati Utkarsh Gram Abhiyan (DAJUGA)
- Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyay Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN)
Institutional Support & Event Organization
The Pakhwada is being organised through the joint efforts of:
- Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs)
- Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS)
- TRIFED (Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Ltd.)
- NSTFDC (National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation)
Aim:
- To showcase tribal art, crafts, culture, achievements, and document indigenous contributions to India’s freedom and development.
Key Initiatives under Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh
Pradhan Mantri Janman (PVTG Development Mission)
- Launched: 2023
- Coverage: 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) across 18 States/UTs
- Objective: Holistic development — providing housing, healthcare, nutrition, clean water, education, and livelihoods.
- Goal: Integrate marginalized tribal communities into India’s inclusive development framework
DAJGUA (Digital Archives of Tribal Pride and Distinguished Achievements)
- A digital repository documenting:
- Tribal freedom fighters, folklore, languages, arts, and oral traditions.
- Objective: To preserve and disseminate indigenous knowledge systems for students, researchers, and future generations.
Livelihood and Entrepreneurship Development
- Strengthening Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) and micro-enterprise models under TRIFED and NSTFDC.
- Focuses on value addition, branding, and digital marketing for tribal products.
- Has led to income enhancement and market linkage for tribal artisans across India.
Bhagwan Birsa Munda- The Tribal Icon
Birth: 15 November 1875, in Ulihatu village, Chotanagpur region (present-day Jharkhand)
Tribe: Munda Tribe
Background & Struggle:
- Opposed British exploitation under the Permanent Settlement Act, 1793, which destroyed the traditional Khuntkatti land system.
- Early influenced by Christian missionaries, later rejected colonial influence and propagated tribal self-rule.
- Founded the Birsaite religion, integrating spiritual reform and social resistance.
- Revered as “Dharti Aaba” (Father of the Earth).
The Ulgulan (Great Tribal Rebellion), 1899–1900
- Aimed to end British rule, drive out outsiders (dikus), and establish Birsa Raj.
- Utilized guerrilla warfare tactics and mass tribal mobilization.
- Suppressed by the British; Birsa was arrested in 1900 and martyred at age 25.
Legacy:
- Inspired the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act, 1908, which safeguarded tribal land rights.
- Symbol of resistance, environmental harmony, and indigenous empowerment.
- His birth anniversary, 15 November, is celebrated as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas nationwide.
Policy and Development Significance
- Reinforces India’s “Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas” vision by mainstreaming tribal progress.
- Promotes cultural pride alongside economic empowerment.
- Recognizes the role of tribals in India’s freedom movement, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable living.
- Integrates digital, educational, and livelihood initiatives for inclusive growth.
Key Facts
| Bhagwan Birsa Munda | Born 15 Nov 1875, Ulihatu (Jharkhand); led Ulgulan (1899–1900); martyred in 1900 at age 25 |
| Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas | Celebrated annually on 15 November, declared by GoI in 2021 |
| Ministry of Tribal Affairs | Established 1999 (carved out from Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment) |
| TRIFED | Founded 1987, under Ministry of Tribal Affairs, promotes tribal products under brand TRIBES India |
| NSTFDC | Established 2001, under Ministry of Tribal Affairs, provides financial assistance for ST entrepreneurs |
| Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) | Launched 1997–98, under MoTA, to provide quality education to ST students |
| PVTGs | India has 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups, across 18 States and UTs |
| Largest Tribal Populations (States) | Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh |
| Tribal Population in India (Census 2011) | ~10.45 crore (8.6% of India’s population) |
| Chotanagpur Tenancy Act, 1908 | Safeguarded land ownership rights of tribal communities in Jharkhand |
Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh Pakhwada Significance
- Marks the culmination of the Tribal Pride Year celebrations.
- Strengthens awareness about tribal rights, culture, and heritage.
- Promotes grassroots participation through cultural exhibitions, art showcases, and academic seminars.
- Aligns with India’s Vision of Viksit Bharat @2047– ensuring inclusive, sustainable tribal development.