Our Correspondent
Kohima | November 15
Nagaland today joined the rest of the country in observing Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas 2024 through “Tribal Walkathon” from Nagaland Civil Secretariat gate to Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) gate, Kohima.
Joined by various tribes of Nagaland including bikers, this tribal walkathon, organised by Tribal Affairs department, Nagaland under the aegis of Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, marked the commencement of the weeklong celebration of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas 2024.
Flagging off today’s tribal walkathon, Nagaland’s school education & SCERT Advisor Dr Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, said that Nagaland became the 16th state of the Indian Union on December 1, 1963.
“We are tribal people,” he said and asserted that the tribal communities had made many contributions to India’s history and culture.
Angelina Tajen, NCS, Secretary, Tribal Affairs Department, Nagaland, said “Today, we are gather here to remember and celebrate the contribution of tribal communities in our Nation’s history and culture.”
This day also commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, the legendary tribal freedom fighter whose legacy continues to inspire India’s tribal community.
She said that the department will also be launching Education and Communication (IEC) campaign for Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA), which was recently launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Further, Tajen informed that the department will be organizing series of events for the next couple of days as part of the celebration of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas.
“This day is not just about an event but coming together of diverse tribes in remembrance of the contribution and preservation of country’s cultural heritage,” she added.
Ashok Kumar Gupta, Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, GoI was also present on the occasion as observer of the event.
I. Sino Phom, Director, Tribal Affairs department, Nagaland and several other dignitaries also present at the programme.The event was moderated by M. Kichung, Nodal Officer.
Later, MLAs Imtichoba Chang, Manpon Konyak and Y. Mankhao Konyak graced the exhibition of tribal art work and folktale narration event.
Dr. Meyisangla Longkumer, Joint Director, Tribal Affairs moderated this event.
Mentionably, Janjatiya Gaurav Divas is a name given on 15 November 2021 by the Union Cabinet of the Government of India, to remember the contribution of tribal freedom fighters, as part of the year-long celebration of the 75th anniversary of Indian independence. November 15 is the birthday of the great tribal warrior Birsa Munda.
Upcoming events for Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas
November 18: Debate among tribal students at ICFAI University, Chumoukedima
November 22: Swachchta Campaign at NSF Solidarity Park Kohima
November 22: Tribal Cuisine Competition at Directorate office premises
November 22: State level tribal tug-of-war at NSF Solidarity Park, Kohima
November 15- 26: Various activities in 3 Eklavya Model Residential Schools in Nagaland
