Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced that the chowk outside the Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT) bus stand in Delhi’s Sarai Kale Khan will be renamed in honour of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, a prominent tribal freedom fighter. The announcement came during an event in Delhi, where Union Home Minister Amit Shah revealed a statue of Munda, marking his 150th birth anniversary on 'Janjatiya Gaurav Divas.'

Speaking at the event, Khattar said, “I am announcing today that the big chowk outside the ISBT bus stand here will 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.”

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke about the remarkable life and contributions of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. Shah praised Munda for his courage in fighting against religious conversion and his efforts in promoting societal reforms. He added, “The nation will always be thankful to Birsa Munda for his movements for independence and against religious conversion.”

Shah further mentioned that in 1875, when most of India and the world was under British rule, Birsa Munda stood firm against religious conversion, making him a unique figure in Indian history. This event marked an important moment in remembering and honouring the legacy of Bhagwan Birsa Munda.

Who is Birsa Munda?

Birsa Munda, born on 15 November 1875 and passing away on 9 June 1900, was a tribal freedom fighter and hero from the Munda tribe in India. He played an important role in the Indian independence movement during British rule. Birsa led a religious and political movement to protect the rights of tribal communities, mainly in areas like Khunti, Tamar, Sarwada, and Bandgaon in the Bengal Presidency, which is now part of Jharkhand.

Why do people call Birsa Munda Bhagwan?

Birsa Munda advised tribal people to follow their traditional religious beliefs and ways of life. His teachings were powerful and inspiring to the tribal communities, who saw him as a saintly figure. They respected him so much that they began to call him a god and sought his blessings for guidance and strength.