PM Modi says India now celebrates festivals with indigenous pride, moves beyond foreign perspective

New Delhi, Nov 15: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said India had moved away from organising festivals and commemorating occasions through a “foreign perspective” and was now celebrating its cultural heritage with indigenous pride, describing the shift as a reflection of the country’s changing national consciousness.

Virtually addressing the Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas programme in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra, Modi described the occasion as a national celebration honouring tribal pride and drawing inspiration from freedom fighter Bhagwan Birsa Munda.

“With this spirit, events are being organised across the country today. The nation is remembering its tribal heroes and heroines with pride,” he said.

Highlighting Gadchiroli’s rich tribal heritage, the Prime Minister recalled the contributions of tribal heroes Raghōji Bhangre, Bhagoji Naik and Veer Baburao Shedmake, and paid tribute to them.

Modi said Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas had been celebrated across the country since November 2021. Recalling last year's observance, he said more than two lakh programmes were organised nationwide, with crores of citizens participating to mark Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary.

“There was a time when several festivals and occasions were decided from a foreign perspective. But today, India is remembering its heritage, history and heroes with indigenous pride. This is a symbol of a major shift in our national consciousness,” he said.

The Prime Minister also highlighted development initiatives announced on the occasion. He said more than 170 projects related to tribal development had been inaugurated, while foundation stones had been laid for over 70 projects across different states.

Among the initiatives, a museum dedicated to freedom fighter Ropuilliani was inaugurated in Mizoram, while a new building for the Tribal Research Institute was inaugurated in Arunachal Pradesh. Other projects include educational institutions, healthcare facilities, marketing centres for tribal products and initiatives to strengthen basic infrastructure in villages.

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Modi said projects worth around Rs 30,000 crore had been inaugurated or had their foundation stones laid across the country.

The Prime Minister also cited two achievements, which he said were closely linked to the lives of tribal communities: nearly 50 crore people being lifted out of extreme poverty and what he described as the end of Naxalism and freedom from Maoist terrorism.

Referring to a World Bank report, Modi said nearly 50 crore people in India had come out of extreme poverty over the past 12-13 years.

“This is a huge number. I consider this one of the country's greatest achievements since Independence,” he said.