New Delhi, Dec 30 (UNI) President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday praised statesman, educationist, and nationalist thinker from Jharkhand Kartik Oraon who dedicated his life to uplifting the tribal society. The President stressed that the tribal community should ensure that the contributions of the tribal heroes are made known to the youth and future generations of the country.
Addressing Antarrajyiy Jansanskritik Samagam Samaroh – Kartik Jatra at Gumla in Jharkhand, President Murmu said, “It is the responsibility of every individual and institution associated with the heritage of the tribal community to ensure that the contributions of these tribal heroes, from this region and all other regions, are made known to the youth and future generations of the country.”
The President said that visiting Jharkhand, the birthplace and workplace of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, feels like a pilgrimage to her, adding that ”he is revered by all of us as a great symbol of social justice and tribal pride,” she stated.
President Murmu said, ”Pankhraj Saheb Kartik Oraon strengthened tribal consciousness and identity in accordance with the ideals of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. Kartik Oraon Ji dedicated his life to the uplift of the tribal community and the nation. He worked for the spread of education and the strengthening of social unity. We should resolve to work for the overall development of society and the country by following his ideals.”
The President noted that there is a long list of great tribal heroes from this region. She said that the government is making efforts to familiarise the people of India with their heroic tales through the establishment of tribal museums.
She said it is crucial to connect the youth and future generations with the traditions of tribal communities. ”While preserving their tribal heritage and identity, our youth must move forward rapidly on the path of modern development.”
She expressed confidence that all members of the tribal communities will continue to move forward on the path of progress while preserving our heritage.
Kartik Oraon’s legacy lies not only in his developmental work for the tribals of central India but also in his bold resistance to religious conversion movements that he believed threatened the cultural fabric of India’s indigenous population.
Born in 1924 in a small village in present-day Jharkhand’s Gumla district, Kartik Oraon came from humble beginnings. At a time when very few from the tribal community even had access to basic education, he pursued higher studies with remarkable determination — eventually earning engineering degrees from the United Kingdom.
