In every region of India, people and leaders fought for the nation’s independence . Among the free- dom fighters, some did not receive the recognition they deserved for their sacrifice and bravery. Heroes like Kamala Devi and Birsa Munda had their heroic stories forgotten, leading them to be called the unsung heroes of India. These unsung heroes played a pivotal role in the freedom struggle, but they were not as popular as figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Jhansi Laxmi Bai, and Sardar Patel.

The great unsung freedom fighter and tribal icon, Birsa Munda, was born on November 15, 1875, in a village named Ulihatu in the Khunti district of the then Bengal Presidency and present Jharkhand. He was a tribal freedom fighter, a folk hero, and a religious leader of Jharkhand. From a young age, he opposed British rule and fought for the rights of the tribal communities. He spoke out against the injustice, atrocities, and brutal punishment inflicted by the British. His sudden riots terrified the British, who felt he was a great threat to their power in the Chotanagpur plateau. Не was arrested and sent to the Ranchi Prison, where he died of health issues on June 9, 1900, at the age of 24.

The nation has been celebrating the birth anniversary of Martyr Birsa Munda as “Tribal Pride Day,” paying tribute to this remarkable tribal leader. Birsa Munda popularized the motivational slogan “Abua Raj Ete Jana, Maharani Raj Tundu Jana,”which means “Let the Queen’s kingdom end, and our kingdom be established.”

The legacy of India’s unsung heroes like Birsa Munda is a testament to the diverse and widespread resistance against colonial rule. Their stories, though not as widely known, are a vital part of India’s rich history of struggle and sacrifice. By remembering and honoring these figures, we ensure that their contributions to the nation’s freedom are never forgotten, and their spirit continues to inspire future generations.

By, L.Akshara

1st year MEC – Residental