Page 72 - Mann Ki Baat - English

equality, self-rule, and spiritual Bhagwan Birsa Munda, though
awakening. separated by decades and
Birsa Munda’s Ulgulan geography, shared a common
(The Great Tumult) was not dream—a society where tribal
only a revolt against British communities could live with
oppression, but also a clarion dignity and exercise autonomy
call for social reform and over their resources. Both leaders
empowerment. He challenged fought against systems that
exploitative landlords and denied them control over land
missionaries, advocating for a and livelihood. Their struggles
return to indigenous faith and were anchored in principles
customs. His emphasis on self- of justice, equality, and
governance and cultural pride empowerment, aligning closely
continues to guide policies with the vision of Sabka Saath,
aimed at tribal welfare and Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas.
inclusion. Bheem’s slogan of “Jal,
Birsa Munda’s ideals inspired Jangal, Zameen” and Birsa
generations of freedom fighters Munda’s call for Ulgulan
and laid the foundation for tribal were two sides of the same
assertion in India’s independence coin—assertions of identity
movement. His life reminds us and demands for self-rule.
that empowerment is not merely They understood that true
political—it is cultural, social, and freedom is incomplete without
economic. economic independence and
Drawing Parallels: Self-Rule cultural integrity. Today, these
and Empowerment ideals resonate in our efforts to
Komaram Bheem and implement PESA (Panchayats

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