Thomas Magh and Vekho Nakro during a press conference in Kohima on November 10.
Our Correspondent
Kohima | November 10
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ST Morcha Nagaland today announced series of events for celebration of Tribal Pride Day (Janjatiya Gaurav Divas) across Nagaland from November 11 to 18. Tribal Pride Day is celebrated every year on 15th November across India to honour the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, one of the greatest tribal freedom fighters and social reformers in Indian history.
“This day is a tribute to the courage, sacrifices, rich cultural heritage, and identity of India's tribal communities. It reminds us of the significant contributions made by tribal heroes in India's freedom struggle and their continued role in shaping the nation's history,” said Vekho Nakro, general secretary BJP ST Morcha, Nagaland while addressing a press conference at Phasaings Restaurant, Kohima.
Government of India declared 15th November as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas in 2021, recognising the invaluable contributions of tribal freedom fighters and celebrating the glorious history of tribal communities.
Nakro said that the day is observed through cultural programmes, awareness campaigns, seminars, exhibitions, and tributes to tribal heroes across the country. Stating that Tribal Pride Day is not merely a celebration of the past, he said “ it is also a reminder of our responsibilities towards the present and future.”
“Let us celebrate Tribal Pride Day with a renewed commitment to honour our tribal heroes, preserve our cultural heritage, protect our natural resources, and uphold the values of unity, courage, and self-respect,” Nakro added.
Honouring rich legacy, sacrifices of tribal communities
Nagaland state BJP ST Morcha president Thomas Magh said that in a meaningful celebration of tribal identity, cultural heritage, unity and community service, Tribal Pride Day will be observed as part of the week-long initiative Seva Saptah, with the objective of honouring the rich legacy, contributions and sacrifices of tribal communities while promoting the values of selfless service, social responsibility and inclusive development.
“The observance of Tribal Pride Day will serves as an important occasion to recognise and celebrate the invaluable role played by tribal communities in shaping the social, cultural and historical fabric of the nation,” he said.
The celebration will be organised with the larger vision of strengthening awareness about tribal heritage and inspiring collective responsibility towards the welfare and development of tribal society. Through the initiative of Seva Saptah, the emphasis will be placed on translating the ideals of service into meaningful action, reinforcing the belief that the progress of society depends on compassion, cooperation and active participation at the grassroots level.
Celebrating tribal identity, cultural heritage
Stating that tribal communities are the custodians of a rich and diverse cultural legacy and their traditions, indigenous knowledge systems, languages, art forms, music, dance, customary practices and deep-rooted relationship with nature represent an invaluable part of India's cultural diversity, Magh said that Tribal Pride Day provides an opportunity to acknowledge this extraordinary heritage and reaffirm the importance of preserving and promoting indigenous identity.
He said that an important aspect of Tribal Pride Day will be the remembrance of tribal freedom fighters and legendary personalities who made remarkable contributions to the struggle for justice, freedom and the protection of indigenous communities. He said that the courage, determination of tribal heroes and their struggles against injustice, exploitation and colonial oppression remain significant chapters in the history of India's freedom movement and social transformation.
Transforming pride into service
Magh said that the observance of Tribal Pride Day under Seva Saptah will carry a special significance, as it connects the celebration of tribal identity with the broader philosophy of selfless service. “Seva Saptah represents the spirit of giving back to society through meaningful initiatives, community participation and activities aimed at improving the lives of people, particularly those in needs,” he said.
The programme will also drew attention to the importance of inclusive development and the need to ensure that tribal communities have access to opportunities for education, healthcare, livelihood generation, skill development and social empowerment, he said.
“Special emphasis will be placed on the importance of recognising the potential of tribal youth as future leaders and agents of positive change,” he said adding that their energy, creativity, knowledge and commitment can play a significant role in preserving cultural heritage while embracing new opportunities in education, technology, entrepreneurship and innovation.
He said that Tribal Pride Day will also convey a strong message of unity, mutual respect and solidarity. Stating that India's strength lies in its diversity and tribal communities form an integral part of this diverse social and cultural landscape, Magh said “The occasion will reinforce the importance of creating an inclusive society in which every community is respected, every identity is valued and every individual has the opportunity to contribute to collective progress.”
Renewed commitment to the future
The ST Morcha Nagaland called upon all sections of society, particularly the younger generation, to take an active role in promoting social harmony, preserving cultural heritage and contributing to the welfare of their communities.
The observance of Tribal Pride Day under Seva Saptah will be more than a commemorative occasion, Magh said adding that it will represent a renewed commitment to honouring tribal heritage through meaningful action, strengthening community bonds and promoting the ideals of service and inclusive development.
The message emerging from the observance will be clear: preserving tribal heritage, empowering tribal communities and serving society must remain collective responsibilities, he said.
“Tribal Pride is our heritage, our identity and our strength. Seva is our responsibility, our commitment and our way forward, Magh said adding that through the celebration of Tribal Pride Day, “the spirit of Seva Saptah will reaffirm the resolve to honour the past, empower the present and build a brighter, inclusive and self reliant future for generations to come.”
