Jan Jatiya Gaurav Diwas observed at AMU
ALIGARH : A large number of students, teachers and staff at the Aligarh Muslim University enthusiastically celebrated the Jan Jatiya Gaurav Diwas over the last fortnight which is observed to mark the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, an iconic tribal leader of India’s freedom movement who dedicated his life for fighting for the rights of indigenous communities against the colonial repression.
At the Department of Linguistics, while addressing a commemorative meeting of students and faculty members, the Chairman, Prof M.J. Warsi appreciated the Government of India’s decision to mark November 15 as the Jan Jatiya Gaurav Diwas and celebrate the contributions of tribal people in nation-building.
He said, “I bow to the great son of the country, the great revolutionary Bhagwan Birsa Munda, who was not just the hero of our political freedom, but he was also the carrier of our spiritual and cultural energy. Today, the country is moving towards fulfilling the dreams of our tribal heroes, including Bhagwan Birsa Munda, with the energy of the ‘Panch Pranas’ (five pledges) to make the country number one in the world by 2047.”
The Women’s College organized an online commemorative meeting while celebrating the Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas.
Addressing the occasion, noted scholar, Dr. Ganga Sahay Meena from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi highlighted the tribal philosophy and literature, while mentioning Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s contributions to the social, cultural and political uplift of tribal communities in India.
He stated, “In view of the increasing pollution and deforestation, Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s efforts to save the jungle can help in bringing society closer to nature and in saving the existence of humans.”
He said it is important for us to connect with the tribal people in their cultural backdrop and not as an alien to their cultural identity.
Earlier, the Principal, Prof Masood Anwar Alvi welcomed the guest speaker, while Dr. Shagufta Niyaz, the Programme Convener, introduced the speaker.
Dr. Neelofar extended a vote of thanks.
At the Abdullah School, several literary and cultural activities were organized, including an essay writing, painting, speech and slogan writing activities engaging students from different class groups.
Addressing the students, the School Superintendent, Ms. Umra Zaheer spoke of the contributions of tribal communities in nation-building and the role of Bhagwan Birsa Mundá in the freedom struggle.
Ms. Arshia Aftab, Ms. Sarah Siddiqui, Ms. Sheba Asim, Ms. Ana Fatima and Ms. Hira played a key role in organizing the programme.
The AMU Proctor, Prof Wasim Ali, while addressing the staff, highlighted the historical and cultural importance of the day and emphasized the social responsibility of all to take measures to uplift the social, educational and economic condition of tribal people and strengthen the spirit of national integration in them.