Bhubaneswar – The town of Paderu prepares for a significant cultural and political event this Sunday with the unveiling of a statue honoring the legendary tribal leader and freedom fighter, Birsa Munda. The ceremony, which also features a large public meeting, will see the attendance of Odisha's Chief Minister, Mohan Charan Majhi, highlighting the region's focus on tribal communities. 
Odisha CM Unveils Birsa Munda Statue in Paderu


State Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president, P.V.N. Madhav, announced the details of the event on Saturday. He confirmed that the statue will be unveiled to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of the revered tribal icon.

A Gathering of Leaders and Communities

The event promises to draw a substantial crowd. Alongside Chief Minister Majhi, several state ministers will attend the function. The list includes Satya Kumar Yadav, Gummadi Sandhya Rani, and Kandula Durgesh. A number of Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) representing tribal constituencies are also scheduled to participate. Organizers anticipate that nearly 20,000 people from various tribal communities will join the gathering, making it a major event for the region.
In preparation for the main event, Mr. Madhav, along with former MP G.V.L. Narasimha Rao, paid floral tributes to Birsa Munda at the party's office in Visakhapatnam on Saturday. This act was part of a broader series of observances marking the leader's anniversary.

Celebrating Tribal Heritage and Empowerment

Speaking to the media, Mr. Madhav reflected on the ongoing celebrations. He stated that the party has organized a wide range of programs over the last fifteen days. These events actively showcased the rich customs, traditions, and cultural heritage of tribal communities in the area.
Shifting focus to national policies, the BJP State president emphasized the central government's commitment to the empowerment of Scheduled Tribes (STs). He pointed to specific appointments as evidence of this commitment. "The NDA government at the Centre is prioritizing the empowerment of Scheduled Tribes," Madhav stated. He noted that the government appointed a woman from the tribal community to the position of President of India. Furthermore, he highlighted that nine members from Scheduled Tribes currently hold cabinet-level positions in the central government.

Government Initiatives for Tribal Welfare

Mr. Madhav directly linked these efforts to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He asserted that the Prime Minister is taking comprehensive steps to strengthen and uplift tribal communities across the nation. As part of this ongoing initiative, Madhav added that the government plans to strengthen the Scheduled Tribes Commission. This move aims to enhance the commission's ability to safeguard the rights and interests of tribal populations.
The unveiling of the Birsa Munda statue, therefore, serves a dual purpose. It stands as a lasting tribute to a historical figure who fought for the rights of his people. Simultaneously, it provides a platform to discuss and promote contemporary policies aimed at the welfare and advancement of tribal communities in modern India. The high-profile attendance underscores the political importance of these communities and their central role in the region's social fabric.