SHIMLA: Himachal Pradesh chief minister Jai Ram Thakur, while presiding over a programme on theme Contribution of Tribal Heroes in the Freedom Struggle, said that brave heroes who belonged to the tribal areas have contributed significantly in the freedom struggle.
He said that freedom fighter Tilka Majhi organized the Paharia tribe against the atrocities of the British East India Company and attacked the Company Fund, for which he was sentenced to death.
The event was organized by the Institute of Tribal Studies, Himachal Pradesh University Shimla, National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, New Delhi and All India Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram in Himachal Pradesh University campus.
Jai Ram Thakur said that great freedom fighter Bhagwan Birsa Munda agitated to end the British Rule. Similarly, many tribal heroes including Thalakal Chanthu, Nilambar, Radho ji Bhangre took part in the freedom struggle, for which they were tortured. Many freedom fighters were sent to jail and some were hanged to death.
He said that many heroes like Munshi Saje Ram, Thakur Devi Singh, Thakur Shiv Chand of Lahaul Spiti district and Jangi Ram and Bhag Saran of Kinnaur district played an important role in the freedom movement.
He said that during the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, we got an opportunity to know the stories of many freedom fighters who were unsung heroes till now. He said that it is very important for the youth to know about the history of our country and freedom fighters. Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is a golden opportunity to remember the contribution of those great freedom fighters who dedicated their lives for the pride and glory of the country, he added.
He said that his government is committed for the all round development of the State. He said that balanced development of every region and section of society was being ensured. He said that under the Tribal Sub Plan, a provision of Rs 3619 crore was made for the tribal areas from the year 2018-19 to 2022-23. During this period, a budget provision of more than Rs.1000 crore was also made for the transport sector, construction of roads, bridges and buildings under the Tribal Sub Plan.
Jai Ram Thakur said that connectivity has been strengthened in the tribal areas of the State during the last four and a half years and land was being provided to the tribal people for cultivation under the FRA.
He said that there were four Eklavya Model Residential Schools in the State under the Tribal Sub Plan. He said that the State Government was paying special attention to the needs of the tribal areas. The Chief Minister announced Rs. 2 crore for alumni building at HPU.
