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New Delhi, Nov 17 (IANS) Paying tribute to Lord Birsa Munda on his 150th birth anniversary, Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta on Monday called for renewing the commitment to building an inclusive India that respects diversity and protects its environment.
Speaking at a commemoration event organized to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Lord Birsa Munda in the Delhi Assembly, Gupta said, “As we celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Lord Birsa Munda, let us renew our commitment to building an India that respects diversity, protects its environment, and ensures that the poorest and most marginalized find their rightful place in our national journey.”
The Speaker described Birsa Munda as a timeless icon of courage whose legacy still guides the collective conscience of India.
Under the My Young India (MY Bharat) initiative of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, 200 youth and 20 officers of CRPF, BSF and ITBP representing eight Naxal affected districts of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha and Maharashtra, mainly Bastar, Kanker, Narayanpur, West Singhbhum, Balaghat, Kandhamal, Kalahandi and Gadchiroli visited Delhi Assembly and shared their experiences of their visit to Delhi. Shared.
Delhi Cabinet Minister Ashish Sood, Assembly Deputy Speaker Mohan Singh Bisht and MLA Sanjay Goyal were present as chief guests in the program.
The participants expressed great joy at the opportunity to explore the national capital, see its modern infrastructure and experience its vibrant cultural and political environment.
Many youth confidently came on stage to share their learnings, revealing how the exposure broadened their perspectives and inspired them through direct interaction with the country’s democratic institutions.
Gupta said that Birsa Munda’s Ulgulan was not just a rebellion but a disciplined movement that blended spiritual awakening with social reform and political resistance. He highlighted that the Chhotanagpur Tenancy Act of 1908 is an enduring testament to Birsa’s sacrifices, a law that protected tribal lands, ended forced labor and upheld their ancestral rights.
“His message of protecting water, forests and land reminds us that true progress must respect both people and the planet,” he said.
Welcoming the youth participants and officers of CRPF, BSF and ITBP from eight Naxal affected districts, the Hon’ble Chairman said that their presence symbolizes unity and the spirit of national service.
He urged the youth to take inspiration from the ideals of equality, honesty and environmental harmony of “Dharti Aaba” as India moves towards Vikas Bharat 2047.
He said, “Birsa Munda’s life teaches us that leadership begins with wisdom and that the strength of our country lies in justice, diversity and compassion.”
Delhi Cabinet Minister Ashish Sood said, “Education is complete only when it connects the youth to their roots.”
Welcoming the officers of paramilitary forces and students from tribal areas, he said that Delhi Assembly is honored to host the young participants from Bastar and other districts of Chhattisgarh.
He emphasized that the vision of NEP 2020 to produce future-ready citizens through the Indian Knowledge System can be realized only when students travel across the country, learn its diverse cultural heritage and understand its traditions deeply.
Assembly Deputy Speaker Mohan Singh Bisht said the visit of youth and paramilitary officers under the MY Bharat initiative reflects the country’s collective commitment to empower young citizens of Maoist-affected areas.
He said that their presence in the Delhi Assembly is a symbol of hope, progress and unity, and such a performance in the country’s capital and its democratic institutions will inspire them to dream bigger and contribute confidently to the future of the country.
–IANS
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