National Seminar at Shivaji College Highlights Life, Leadership, and Legacy of Birsa Munda

New Delhi, August 11 — Shivaji College, University of Delhi, under the Vidya Vistar Scheme, hosted the Janjatiya Gaurav National Seminar on “Life, Leadership and Legacy of Birsa Munda: Inspiring National Spirit and Tribal Empowerment” with sponsorship from the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR). The event brought together eminent scholars, policymakers, and students to honour the tribal freedom fighter’s enduring legacy.

Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Shri Durgadas Uikey, attended as Chief Guest, while Professor K. Ratnabali, Dean, Academic Affairs, University of Delhi, was Guest of Honour.

Principal Professor Virender Bhardwaj welcomed participants, noting Birsa Munda’s call for “Ulgulan” as both resistance to colonial exploitation and an assertion of tribal dignity, culture, and ecological harmony.

In his address, Shri Uikey highlighted the government’s commitment to tribal empowerment, noting the declaration of 15 November as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas and stressing the importance of honouring tribal heritage and ecological wisdom.

Professor Prasanna K. Samal, Birsa Munda Chair Professor at Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, delivered the keynote address, describing Birsa Munda as a freedom fighter, spiritual leader, social reformer, and ecological conservationist. He emphasised Birsa’s role in advancing tribal identity, gender equality, and environmental protection.

The invited speaker session featured Professor S. M. Patnaik, Director, Centre for Tribal Studies, University of Delhi, who discussed colonial misrepresentation of tribal identity and India’s heritage of coexistence. Professor Iyatta Maharana Uprety, Principal, Sikkim Government College, Burtuk, spoke on the Vidya Vistar Scheme’s role in expanding opportunities and linked Birsa Munda’s struggle to land rights, cultural identity, and self-reliance.

Over 30 research papers were presented in the technical sessions, covering themes such as leadership and resistance, preservation of tribal heritage, governance challenges, youth activism, and sacred ecological worldviews.

At the Valedictory Session, Prof. Ratnabali underscored the need to document tribal culture, preserve sacred spaces, and integrate them into policy. She commended Shivaji College for promoting research in traditional knowledge and ethnomedicine in line with the National Education Policy (NEP).

Prof. Bhardwaj thanked all contributors and reiterated the importance of academic engagements that promote culturally rooted research and sustainable progress. Dr. S. Hangzo delivered the Vote of Thanks, acknowledging the Chief Guest, speakers, organisers, and ICSSR support.

The seminar concluded with a reaffirmation of Birsa Munda’s legacy as a guiding force for inclusive, sustainable development and a celebration of tribal identity, culture, and resilience.