Jamui: Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Bihar for the second time in three days, participating in the Tribal Pride Day program on the 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda in Ballapur, Jamui. During the event, he released a ₹150 commemorative coin and a ₹5 postage stamp in honour of Birsa Munda, presenting them to one of his descendants.
The Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for projects worth over ₹6,640 crore. Key initiatives included two tribal freedom fighter museums and two tribal research centers. Highlighting the invaluable contributions of tribal communities to Indian history, Modi remarked, “The tribal society is the one that made Prince Ram, Lord Ram, and protected India’s culture and independence for centuries.”
Criticising previous governments for neglecting tribal communities, Modi credited former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s administration for creating India’s first separate Tribal Welfare Ministry. He also noted a significant increase in budget allocations for tribal welfare, which have risen from ₹25,000 crore to ₹1.25 lakh crore under his government. Modi emphasised efforts to preserve tribal heritage through museums, research centres, and the global recognition of traditional medicine practices.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who shared the stage with the Prime Minister, reaffirmed his political allegiance, stating, “We have been together since 1995, and I will not go anywhere now.” He acknowledged past political missteps but promised continued cooperation moving forward.
The program concluded with Modi celebrating tribal culture by playing traditional instruments, including the jhaal and nagada, underscoring the rich cultural heritage of tribal communities.
