In a momentous event held in Delhi on Friday, Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal Khattar, announced that the busy chowk outside the Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT) at Sarai Kale Khan will be renamed in honor of tribal independence leader Bhagwan Birsa Munda. The announcement was made during a special ceremony commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of the revolutionary figure, also celebrated as ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Divas’.
At the event, Union Home Minister Amit Shah unveiled a statue of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, highlighting his immense contributions to India’s struggle for independence and his fierce opposition to religious conversions. Khattar, while making the announcement, expressed that the renaming of the chowk would not only serve as a tribute to Munda’s legacy but also inspire people, particularly those visiting the ISBT, to learn from his life and struggles.
“The big chowk outside the ISBT bus stand here will now be known after Bhagwan Birsa Munda. Seeing this statue and the name of that chowk, not only the citizens of Delhi but also the people visiting the International Bus Stand will definitely be inspired by his life,” Khattar said.
In his speech, Amit Shah lauded Birsa Munda’s courage in speaking out against religious conversions during his secondary education in 1875, a time when India was under British colonial rule. Shah noted that Munda’s stance against religious conversion at such a young age and in such challenging circumstances showcased his unwavering commitment to protecting his culture and heritage.
“Birsa Munda spoke against religious conversion while completing his secondary education. At a time when the entire country and two-thirds of the world were under British rule, he displayed exceptional bravery in standing up against these conversions,” Shah remarked.
The unveiling of Munda’s statue and the renaming of the chowk are part of the government’s efforts to honor the contributions of India’s tribal heroes. Bhagwan Birsa Munda is remembered for his role in leading the Ulgulan (rebellion) against British rule in the late 19th century, and for his advocacy of tribal rights, land reforms, and social justice.
The renaming of the ISBT chowk and the statue’s unveiling serve as symbolic gestures that aim to keep the spirit of Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s legacy alive, inspiring future generations to stand firm against oppression and injustice.
Sources By Agencies
