AMU remembers Bhagwan Birsa Munda on Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas

ALIGARH : The heroic folklore about the great tribal freedom fighter and folk hero, Bhagwan Birsa Munda was remembered and young students were introduced to his contributions and significance in emancipating the tribal communities all over the country during the programmes held at various departments and schools of the Aligarh Muslim University on “Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas”, marking the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda on November 15.

Dr. Ziauddin Ahmad Dental College organized a lecture series on the theme, “Role of Tribal Communities in the Freedom Struggle of India”.

Dr. Syed Amaan Ali (Dept of Periodontics and Community Dentistry) said it is important to make the young generation aware of our rich cultural heritage.

“The fight against colonial rule in India features a unique narrative of dedication, valour, bravery, Satyagraha and sacrifice that took place across the length and breadth of the subcontinent. These stories of valour and bravery associated with the unsung and lesser-known heroes of our local heritage need to be recalled and celebrated at all levels,” he added.

Dr. Sadika Rehman and Dr. Rashmi Azeem (Residents, Department of Periodontics and Community Dentistry) highlighted how India’s freedom struggle was strengthened by several movements, including those started by the tribal communities, such as Santhals, Tamars, Kols, Bhils, Khasis and Mizos.

Dr. Iman and Mohd. Ashhab conducted an awareness session on the contributions of tribal communities to national integrity.

Prof R.K. Tiwari (Principal, Dr. ZA Dental College) said Adivasis are among the most marginalized groups in India and special efforts are needed for their educational, social, economic and cultural uplift.

Prof N D Gupta distributed certificates to the speakers.

At the Department of Linguistics, Aalmeen Zehra, a student of MA (III Sem) won the first prize in the Debate competition on “Contribution of Janajati Heroes in Freedom Struggle” held to mark the Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, under the aegis of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.

Namra Kidwai (MA, III Sem) and Anees Alam (BA, V Sem) got the second and third prizes, respectively.

Announcing the result of the debate competition, Prof M J Warsi (Chairman of the department) said that Bhagwan Birsa Munda dedicated his life to the emancipation of tribal communities and worked for the conservation of their cultural ethos in challenging times. He also vehemently worked for saving tribals, especially the Munda and Oreon communities, from faith conversion.

He said the winners will be honoured with momentoes, and certificates will be provided to all the participants.

Delivering a talk at the Department of Hindi on “Bhagwan Birsa Munda: The Pride of Tribal Communities”, Prof Mohammad Sajjad (Department of History) highlighted the role of Birsa Munda in creating a mass movement among tribals against the imperial powers and waking them to ascertain their rights and place in the nationalistic framework. He also underlined the role of other movements taking place during that time, creating a strong front against the British.

In his presidential remarks, Prof Ashiq Ali (Chairman of the department) mentioned several other movements that contributed to India’s freedom struggle. He however warned against the mindset to link mass movements with religion and using them to serve vested interests.

Prof Shambhunath Tiwari conducted the programme which was attended by the faculty members and students.

The Department of Arabic organized speech competition and group discussion to mark the Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas.

Research scholar Mohammad Shahid got the first position in speech competition, while Ajmal Husain and Mohammad Saeed (MA Final) secured the second and third positions, respectively. Shahr Bano (MA Previous) and Pervez Alam (BA Final) were given consolation prize.

In the group discussion, the team A, comprising Hameedur Rahman, Ajmal Husain and Mohammad Shahid won the first prize while the group B of Mohammad Saeed, Pervez Alam and Mohammad Imran was declared the runner up.

Appreciating students’ performance, former Dean, Faculty of Arts and former chairman of the department, Prof Syed Kafeel Ahmad Qasmi said it is a great moment to remember the unsung heroes of India’s freedom struggle.

Prof Mohammad Sanaullah Nadvi (Chairman of the department) said India is made up of different castes, creed, communities and religions and its myriad cultural texture forms a rich heritage for all, including the tribes living in the parts of different states.

He said the name of Birsa Munda stands out prominently among a number of heroes like Tilka Manjhi, Sidhu, Kanu Murmu and Govind Guru.

The Department of Economics organized a Debate competition on “Contribution of Janajati Heroes in Freedom Struggle”, judged by Prof. Mohd. Abdus Salam (Chairman) and Prof. Shehroz Alam Rizvi.

The first prize was won by Ms. Iqra Jan won the first prize while Ms. Arisha Farhat got the second prize. Third prize was shared by Mr. Harshit Gupta and Mr. Md. Fateen Raza.

Expressing his views, Prof. Mohd. Abdus Salam shed light on the role of Bhagwan Birsa Munda who posed a powerful resistance to British to stop the plundering of the tribal lands. He said that tribal communities have struggled a lot to preserve their heritage and the contributions of Bhagwan Birsa Munda and other tribal leaders in the national development process will always be remembered with great honour.

Meanwhile, an awareness programme was held at the Syedna Tahir Saifuddin School with the objective to acquaint young students with the great heroic works of the tribal freedom fighter, Bhagwan Birsa Munda and other heroes who laid their lives for the freedom of the country.

Principal of the school, Faisal Nafees underscored schemes and policies launched by the government of India for the educational and socio-economic development of tribal communities.

Ghazala Tanveer conducted the programme.

Yasmeen, Atifa and Mohd Miraj won the first, second and third prize, respectively in a debate competition on “Contribution of Janajati Heroes in the Freedom struggle” organized by the Ahmadi School for the Visually Challenged.

Principal, Dr. Naila Rashid spoke on the relevance and significance of the Janjatiya Gaurav Divas.

Eram Fatima and Alika Tabassum conducted the programme.