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Waiting for Birsa

The present situation in the Adivasi areas of India is worse than in Birsa’s time. Whether it is in Kevadia, Niyamgiri or Netrahaat, Adivasis are being deprived of their land on the pretext of development, says Manish Bhatt Manu

Birsa Munda (15 November 1875 – 9 June 1900) 

Today is 9 June. It is the martyrdom day of Birsa Munda (15 November 1875 – 9 June 1900) – the progenitor of the “Abua Disum Abua Raj” movement. He was also known as Dharti Aaba. His story begins with a 10-year-old Birsa protesting his teacher’s slur on the Adivasi community and consequently being thrown out from his school in Chaibasa. His name in the school records was Birsa David. He went on to raise his voice against the Indian Forest Act 1855, the British government’s atrocities against the Adivasis and its policy of usurping the land of the Adivasis. 

READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE: Waiting for Birsa

About The Author

Manish Bhatt Manu

Manish Bhatta Manu is a Bhopal-based journalist. He has been associated with the Hindi daily 'Deshbandhu' for a long time and has regularly contributed to other newspapers and magazines on issues concerning Adivasis

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