The 150th birth anniversary of tribal leader Birsa Munda was celebrated at Karnataka State Tribal Research Institute (KSTRI) in Mysuru on Saturday, November 15.The celebration was jointly organised by the KSTRI, Mysuru district administration, Mysuru Zilla Panchayat, and the Department of Tribal Welfare. The event was also marked by the inauguration of the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Adivasi Nyay Maha Gaurav Diwas campaign.A host of dignitaries, including Padma Shri awardees Amai Mahalinga Naik and Somanna, MLC C.N. Manje Gowda, KSTRI Director T. Yogesh and Additional Deputy Commissioner P. Shivaraju, participated in the programme, while also lighting the lamp and offering floral tributes to Birsa Munda’s portrait.In his address on the occasion, Mr. Manje Gowda described Birsa Munda as a great leader of the tribal community who emerged as a politicial leader and spiritual guide.He further said the government had taken up the construction of 33 multipurpose buildings for the welfare of tribal communities, out of which four buildings had been constructed.Pointing out that Birsa Munda came from one of the most marginalised communities and rose to become a great leader, Mr Maje Gowda said students should learn about his life, study well, and draw inspiration from his struggle.He recalled that Birsa Munda fought against the British as early as 1898 and stood for the rights of tribal communities even in those days.Though the government has introduced many schemes for the welfare of tribal communities, efforts must be made to ensure that these reach the intended beneficiaries. As tribal communities continue to face challenges even to this day, Mr. Manje Gowda said the government should introduce more schemes, and all tribal communities should make full use of the programmes.Padma Shri awardees Amai Mahalinga Naik and Somanna were both felicitated on the occasion.Published - November 15, 2025 08:54 pm IST