Nemcha Kipgen Calls for Recognition of Unsung Tribal Heroes, Highlights Govt Efforts; Distributes Benefits at Keithelmanbi

The Deputy Chief Minister of Manipur, Nemcha Kipgen, attended the one day cultural event organized by the District Administration Kangpokpi in connection with the celebration of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas Pakhwada 2026 at Keithelmanbi Village Community Hall in Kangpokpi district, commemorating the 151st birth anniversary of Dharti Aaba Bhagwan Birsa Munda.

Gracing the observance of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas and commemorating the birth anniversary of Dharti Aaba Bhagwan Birsa Munda, the Deputy Chief Minister of Manipur, Nemcha Kipgen, paid heartfelt tributes to the unsung tribal heroes who valiantly fought against colonial rule to safeguard their land, culture, identity and dignity.

Addressing the observance of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, commemorating the birth anniversary of Dharti Aaba Bhagwan Birsa Munda, Nemcha highlighted the invaluable contributions of tribal communities, including the freedom fighters of the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891, to India's freedom struggle.

She underscored the initiatives of the Central and State Governments in honouring tribal freedom fighters and called for the identification and recognition of the remaining tribal freedom fighters and INA veterans so that their sacrifices are never forgotten and are passed on to future generations.

Remembering Bhagwan Birsa Munda, fondly known as Dharti Aaba, for his resistance against British rule and the exploitation of tribal communities, she emphasised the need to preserve his legacy and ensure that the courage, sacrifices and contributions of tribal heroes receive due recognition in India's history.

Speaking at the programme, Additional Chief Secretary (TA & Hills) Anurag Bajpai, IFS, described tribal communities as custodians of India's rich cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, community values and deep-rooted relationship with nature.

He said the vision of Viksit Bharat could not be realised without ensuring that every tribal family, village and young person became an equal stakeholder in the country's development journey.

Stressing that the benefits of governance must reach the last mile and the most deserving citizens, Bajpai identified trust, harmony and development as three interconnected values essential for collective progress.

"Development flourishes where there is trust, opportunities expand where there is harmony, and lasting progress becomes possible when people work together towards shared aspirations," he said.

Reaffirming the state government's commitment to responsive governance and equitable development, he urged people to harness Kangpokpi's potential in agriculture, horticulture, tourism and entrepreneurship while preserving its rich cultural heritage.

Kangpokpi Deputy Commissioner Hemant Kumar, IAS, said Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas was an occasion to honour the rich heritage, glorious history and invaluable contributions of tribal communities to India's development, unity and diversity.

Highlighting Kangpokpi's rich tribal culture, he said the district was home to several tribal communities with distinct traditions, heritage and a strong sense of community. He stressed that these traditions were valuable assets that must be protected, preserved and passed on to future generations.

During the programme, awards and certificates were presented to descendants of freedom fighters, sportspersons and individuals who excelled in art and culture.

Benefits under various government schemes and departmental initiatives, including Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), agricultural assistance, housing support in the form of galvanised corrugated (GC) sheets, livelihood assistance, loans under the Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) and water storage tanks, were also distributed to beneficiaries.

The programme was attended by Additional Chief Secretary Anurag Bajpai, Director (TA & Hills) Rangnamei Rang Peter, Deputy Commissioner Hemant Kumar, SDOs, district-level officers, village chiefs, local leaders, villagers and representatives of civil society organisations.