Team Goemkarponn
CANACONA: A grand Shobha Yatra was organised at Ravindra Bhavan, Canacona to commemorate the 150th Birth Anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda as part of the nationwide “Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh” celebrations. Former Union Minister Dr. Bharati Pawar, addressing the gathering, emphasised the need to remember and honour countless unsung freedom fighters who contributed to India’s independence.
“Even decades after independence, many freedom fighters and tribal heroes remain forgotten. Bhagwan Birsa Munda was one such visionary who sacrificed his life for the motherland. Through Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh, we aim to pay tribute to these heroes,” said Dr. Pawar. She also underlined the importance of public participation in the success of welfare schemes, stating that true democratic progress comes only when citizens actively engage in grassroots development.
Minister for Tribal Welfare Ramesh Tawadkar, in his address, highlighted ongoing efforts to spread Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s teachings throughout Goa. “By organising several Mukhiya Sammelans across the state, we are committed to carrying forward Birsa Munda’s legacy. He dedicated his life to safeguarding the rights, culture, and identity of his people,” he said. Tawadkar urged the youth to become “torchbearers of change” in society.
The event was jointly organised by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (Government of India), Directorate of Tribal Welfare (Goa), Tribal Research Institute (Goa), and Adarsh Yuva Sangh. Poinguinim Sarpanch Savita Tawadkar welcomed the gathering, while Ex-Deputy Chief Minister and Chairman of Goa Kala Academy Babu Kavlekar also addressed the audience.
Present on the occasion were Director of Tribal Welfare Nilesh Dhalgodkar, CMC Chairperson Laxuman Pagui, Shristhal Sarpanch Sejal Gaonkar, Khotigao Sarpanch Vrinda Velip, and Adarsh Yuva Sangh President Chandrakant Velip, among others.
Certificates were distributed to beneficiaries of the “Bhagwan Birsa Munda Lakshya Siddhi Scheme” during the programme.
