On Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched 246 development projects worth about Rs 3,000 crore for tribal communities across the country. He joined the main event in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra, through video conferencing on Sunday, November 15. The day marks the 151st birth anniversary of tribal freedom fighter Bhagwan Birsa Munda, as reported by ETV Bharat.
The projects cover education, healthcare, jobs and village infrastructure in tribal areas.
Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas 2026: key highlights↑
- Total projects: 246, worth about Rs 3,000 crore
- Inaugurated: 173 projects, including 38 Eklavya Model Residential Schools and 100 multi-purpose centres
- Foundation stones: 73 projects, including 19 new Eklavya schools and 12 tribal marketing centres
- Venue: Gadchiroli, Maharashtra (PM joined virtually)
- Occasion: 151st birth anniversary of Birsa Munda
- Also marks: End of the Janjatiya Gaurav Pakhwada (November 1 to 15)
What was launched?↑
Of the 246 projects, 173 were inaugurated. These include 38 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) for tribal students and 100 multi-purpose centres under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN), according to Asianet Newsable.
Two heritage projects were also opened:
- A new Tribal Research Institute building in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh.
- The Ropuiliani Tribal Freedom Fighter Museum in Aizawl, Mizoram.
The PM also laid foundation stones for 73 more projects. These include 19 new Eklavya schools, 12 Tribal Multi-purpose Marketing Centres to help local producers sell their goods, and 42 village-level projects under PM-JANMAN and the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA), as per Pragativadi.
What PM Modi said↑
Speaking to tribal beneficiaries from different states, the Prime Minister said that 50 crore people coming out of extreme poverty is one of India's biggest achievements since Independence. He also said his government has given more than Rs 1 lakh crore for the development of tribal areas.
He described Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas as a celebration of the pride, identity and contribution of India's tribal communities, as reported by Organiser.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who attended the event in Gadchiroli, thanked the PM for declaring November 15 as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas in 2021.
Who was Birsa Munda?↑
Birsa Munda was born on November 15, 1875, in Ulihatu, in present-day Jharkhand. He grew up seeing how tribal people were losing their land to British rulers, landlords and moneylenders.
In the 1890s, he led a large tribal movement known as the Ulgulan, or "the great tumult", against British rule and the unfair land system. His followers called him "Dharti Aaba", meaning "Father of the Earth". He was arrested and died in Ranchi jail in 1900, when he was only 24 or 25 years old.
His struggle later led to the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act of 1908, which protected tribal land rights. Today, his portrait hangs in the Central Hall of Parliament, and many schemes and institutions are named after him.
Why is November 15 called Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas?↑
The central government declared November 15 as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas in 2021, to honour the role of tribal freedom fighters in India's independence struggle. November 15 is also the foundation day of Jharkhand, which was carved out of Bihar in 2000 on Birsa Munda's birth anniversary.
Last year, the 150th birth anniversary was celebrated in Jamui, Bihar, where projects worth over Rs 6,600 crore were launched.
Why Gadchiroli matters↑
Gadchiroli is one of Maharashtra's most forested districts, with a large tribal population. For years it was known mainly for Left-wing extremism. Holding the national event there sends a message that the government wants to show development reaching areas that were once seen as difficult to govern.
What these projects mean on the ground↑
- Eklavya schools give tribal children free residential education from Class 6 to 12, closer to home.
- Multi-purpose centres under PM-JANMAN are meant to bring services like healthcare, anganwadi care and skill training to remote hamlets of the most vulnerable tribal groups.
- Marketing centres can help tribal producers sell forest produce, honey, handicrafts and farm goods at better prices.
The real test, as always, will be how quickly these buildings are staffed and how well they are run.
Other news today↑
This weekend is also busy for travellers. If you are in Delhi, check our Chhath Puja 2026 traffic advisory. And for youngsters looking for sporting heroes, read about India's double hockey gold at the Asian Games 2026.
FAQ
Q1. When is Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas 2026? November 15, 2026.
Q2. Why is Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas celebrated? To mark the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda and honour the contribution of tribal communities to India.
Q3. When was Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas started? The central government declared it in 2021.
Q4. How many projects did PM Modi launch? 246 projects worth about Rs 3,000 crore.
Q5. Where was the main event held this year? In Gadchiroli, Maharashtra. The PM joined through video conferencing.
Q6. Which birth anniversary of Birsa Munda is it this year? The 151st.
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