The Government of India has launched the Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh Pakhwada (1–15 November 2025) as part of a year-long observance marking the 150th birth anniversary of tribal leader Bhagwan Birsa Munda. The fortnight features cultural shows, academic seminars, youth activities and empowerment workshops across states and union territories.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh initiative to bring tribal stories of courage and contribution into national consciousness and instituted Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas on 15 November each year. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs is coordinating state-level events to highlight tribal culture, knowledge systems, and the role of tribal communities in India’s freedom struggle.
State-Level Programmes: Culture, Education and Empowerment
Across Jammu & Kashmir, capacity-building workshops covered schemes like PM JANMAN and Dharti Aaba, legal empowerment and NEP pedagogy, alongside financial and digital literacy sessions for ashram school students. These sessions are designed to equip tribal youth with practical skills.
In Rajasthan, all 31 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) participated in inaugural events featuring painting, essay and speech contests that celebrated tribal heroes and traditions. The EMRS rollout aims to involve more than 1.5 lakh tribal students nationwide during the pakhwada.
Odisha showcased a special Birsa Munda Pavilion and a photo gallery at the State Tribal Museum to display tribal life, arts and traditions. Meghalaya opened its celebrations with floral tributes and vibrant cultural performances at the State Central Library, Shillong. Sikkim emphasised language preservation with training for tribal language teachers and sports events for youth engagement.
Seminars, Research and Academic Participation
Gujarat hosted a national seminar on the life and contribution of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, drawing academics, tribal leaders and over 600 participants at Tent City-2, Ekta Nagar. The seminar examined Birsa Munda’s legacy and the continuing importance of tribal knowledge in India’s social fabric.
Why the Pakhwada Matters
The fortnight is more than ceremonial observance — it functions as an outreach platform for government schemes, a forum for cultural revival, and an education drive for younger tribal generations. Local workshops and exhibitions aim to strengthen language preservation, enhance financial inclusion and create awareness about entitlements.
What’s Next
Events will continue through 15 November, culminating in Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas — a national day of remembrance and celebration. States will roll out additional exhibitions, youth forums and academic events to sustain momentum beyond the fortnight. Citizens and institutions are encouraged to participate and amplify tribal contributions to India’s history and future.