Sarai Kale Khan Chowk Renamed to Birsa Munda Chowk on His 150th Birth Anniversary

To honor the legacy of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, Union Minister for Urban Development Manohar Lal Khattar announced that Sarai Kale Khan Chowk will now be known as Birsa Munda Chowk. This announcement was made during a ceremony held near the ISBT bus stand, emphasizing the importance of Munda’s contributions to India’s freedom struggle.

“I am announcing today that the big chowk outside the ISBT bus stand here will be known after Bhagwan Birsa Munda. Seeing this statue and the name of that chowk, not only the citizens of Delhi but also the people visiting the International Bus stand will definitely be inspired by his life,” Khattar said.

Also Read: Birsa Munda Jayanti: A Deep Dive Into PM Modi’s Tribal Heritage Initiatives

This announcement was accompanied by the unveiling of a statue of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, which was revealed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Khattar, and Delhi LG VK Saxena in the national capital.

Birsa Munda: Hero of India’s Tribal Freedom Struggle

Bhagwan Birsa Munda, revered as ‘Dharti Aba’ or ‘Father of the Earth,’ led a rebellion against British exploitation in the Chotanagpur region during the early 19th century. His movement, called “Ulgulan” or “The Rebellion,” was a fierce response to British land-grabbing policies that impoverished the tribal community. Munda’s fight for self-ownership of land and the rights of his people became a cornerstone of his resistance.

Munda’s impact went beyond his political leadership; he also played a vital role in the creation of the Birsait faith, which fused animistic and indigenous beliefs with monotheism. Despite his early death at just 25, his legacy remains a powerful symbol of tribal resistance, and in 2021, the government declared November 15 as ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Divas’ in recognition of his contributions.