Mirzapur News: Government serious about oppression and exploitation of Dalit community
Jigna. Dr. Lalaji Prasad Nirmal, Chairman of the Natural Disaster Management Inquiry Committee, who holds the rank of Minister of State, addressed a gathering in Bihasra Bazaar on Saturday, stating that the Chief Minister has implemented numerous public welfare schemes for the development and upliftment of the community. Advertisement: 0:02 He stated that the government is serious about oppression and exploitation of Dalit community. He said that it is best for the community to remain with the BJP. The Chairman stated that he has donated money from his own funds for the construction of a road in Bihasra. The meeting was conducted by Lalji Verma. Deepak Verma, Vinay Kumar Singh, Ajay Jaiswal, Lal Saheb, Raj Mishra, Indrajit Verma, Shyam Babu Verma, Sanjay Sonkar, Sunil Verma, etc. were present. Dalits are free from fear, land encroachments are no longer prevalent under Yogi’s rule: Dr. Nirmal Vindhyachal. The BJP government is empowering Dalits socially, economically, and politically. Dalits are completely free from fear under Yogi’s rule. Their lands are no longer being illegally encroached upon. Dr. Lalji Prasad Nirmal, Member of the Legislative Council/Chairman of the Natural Disaster Management Inquiry Committee, Uttar Pradesh, stated this in a press conference held at the Ashtabhuja Dak Bungalow auditorium on Saturday. He stated that the Chief Minister has accomplished significant work for Dalits. As a result of this strictness, no gangster or mafia dares to encroach upon the land of Dalits or those from the marginalized communities. Now, Dalit and backward class employees recruited through outsourcing in the state will receive the benefits of reservation. Dr. Nirmal stated that the Chief Minister will inaugurate the world-class Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Memorial and Cultural Center being built in Lucknow on April 14, 2026, on the occasion of Baba Saheb’s birthday. Courtesy: Hindi News
World News | NY Consul General Meets Dalit Chamber of Commerce to Strengthen Business Ties
Get latest articles and stories on World at LatestLY. India’s Consul General in New York, Binaya Pradhan met a delegation from the Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and discussed strengthening of business opportunities for entrepreneurs of DICCI. New York [US], November 16 (ANI): India’s Consul General in New York, Binaya Pradhan met a delegation from the Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and discussed strengthening of business opportunities for entrepreneurs of DICCI. In a post on X, the Consulate stated, “Consul General Binaya Pradhan met a Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry delegation led by Milind Kamble and Mr. Sanjiv Dangi. The discussion focused on strengthening business opportunities for entrepreneurs of DICCI in the US-India economic cooperation.” Earlier on Saturday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar chaired the Consul Generals Conference and appreciated the Embassy and Consulates for strengthening India-US ties. He reviewed bilateral ties with the US. In a post on X, he said, “Chaired a Consul Generals Conference in New York today, attended by Embassy of India in Washington DC, Consulate General of India in New York, Consulate General of India in Los Angeles, Consulate General of India in Seattle, Consulate General of India in San Francisco, Consulate General of India in Atlanta, Consulate General of India in Houston, Consulate General of India in Chicago and Consulate General of India in Boston. Reviewed our bilateral ties and support for diaspora activities. Appreciate the commitment and efforts of our Embassy and Consulates to strengthening the India-US partnership.” The Consulate General of India in New York said in a post on X, “Team CGI New York was honoured to welcome External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. His vision, guidance and leadership strengthen our commitment to work for the India-USA partnership.” Earlier on Friday, Jaishankar met United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York on Thursday and discussed the current global order, regional flashpoints and the role of multilateralism. In a post on X, Jaishankar said he valued Guterres’ assessment of global developments and thanked him for his “clear and consistent support” for India’s growth. “Good to meet with UNSG @antonioguterres in New York today. Valued his assessment of the current global order and its implications for multilateralism. Also appreciated his perspectives on various regional hotspots. Thank him for clear and consistent support for India’s growth and development. Look forward to welcoming him in India,” he wrote. (ANI) (The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia’s leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY) Courtesy : LatestLY Note: This news is originally published on https:/latestly.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
BJP MP alleges forced conversion racket targeting transgender community in Maharashtra
Bonde told reporters on Saturday that some transgender persons from Amravati approached him with a complaint of forced religious conversion. BJP Rajya Sabha member Anil Bonde has alleged that a racket is operating in Maharashtra’s Amravati and Yavatmal districts to forcibly convert transgender individuals to Islam. Bonde told reporters on Saturday that some transgender persons from Amravati approached him with a complaint of forced religious conversion, which has created an atmosphere of fear among the community. Some of the affected individuals reconverted to Hinduism through a ritual at the Kumbh Mela (held earlier this year at Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh), he said. Bonde said he will inform Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis about the issue and demanded immediate police action into the matter. Courtesy : Money Control Note: This news is originally published on https:/moneycontrol.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
BJP’s Anil Bonde Alleges Forced Conversions Of Transgender Persons In Maharashtra
The Rajya Sabha MP claims a network is coercing transgender individuals in Amravati and Yavatmal to convert to Islam, urges urgent police action. Anil Bonde alleges a coercive conversion racket targeting transgender persons in Amravati and Yavatmal. Some affected individuals reportedly reconverted to Hinduism at the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. Bonde plans to inform Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and has demanded immediate police action. A BJP Rajya Sabha member has claimed that a racket is forcing transgender persons in Maharashtra’s Amravati and Yavatmal districts to convert to Islam, prompting demands for immediate police action. PTI reported that Anil Bonde told reporters on Saturday that several transgender individuals from Amravati had approached him alleging forced religious conversion, which he said had created fear within the community. Some of those who complained had reconverted to Hinduism through a ritual at the Kumbh Mela held earlier this year in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, he said. According to PTI, Bonde added that he would inform Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis about the matter and pressed the state government to initiate urgent police action. Courtesy : Outlook India Note: This news is originally published on https:/outlookindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Revanth–Rahul show unity after bypoll win; cabinet expansion talks gain buzz
Hyderabad: In a clear display of unity after the decisive Jubilee Hills bypoll victory, AICC leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday praised the ‘teamwork and coordination’ that powered the Congress win — setting the tone for a strategy reset ahead of local body and GHMC elections.Rahul is set to hold a detailed review meeting with chief minister A Revanth Reddy and his council of ministers to assess the bypoll performance, the political climate in Telangana, and the road map for upcoming electoral battles. At the heart of this upcoming huddle is also a key political question: When will Revanth fill the two vacant cabinet berths? Rahul is learnt to have directly asked the chief minister about his expansion plans, a move that has re-energised conversations within the party. Revanth, along with deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka, AICC Telangana in-charge Meenakshi Natarajan, TPCC president B Mahesh Kumar Goud, and newly-elected MLA V Naveen Yadav, called on Rahul Gandhi, AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, and AICC general secretary KC Venugopal in Delhi. All three national leaders congratulated Naveen Yadav and the Telangana team for the bypoll win. The meeting came just a day after the result — significant because opposition parties had been alleging a widening rift between Rahul and Revanth. The coordinated outreach by the CM, accompanied by Naveen Yadav and top state leaders, worked as a public reaffirmation of smooth communication between Hyderabad and the high command. Though it was widely speculated that Revanth’s team discussed the evolving political situation, local body elections, GHMC polls and cabinet expansion — and that the CM invited Rahul and Kharge to the Congress govt’s two-year celebrations and the Global Summit in Dec — senior leaders maintained that there was no formal confirmation on these points. “It was a brief meeting where Naveen was introduced and all three AICC leaders complimented the new MLA and the TPCC team. There wasn’t much discussion on other issues,” Mahesh Goud clarified, attempting to cool the buzz. Yet, the very composition of the delegation — the CM, deputy CM, Meenakshi, Mahesh Goud — triggered intense speculation in Telangana Congress circles. Their collective presence in Delhi fuelled talk of imminent cabinet expansion or even a reshuffle, despite the CM’s official reason for travel being participation in Kapil Sibal’s book release. Names doing the rounds for the two vacant berths include Komatireddy Raj Gopal Reddy, Malreddy Ranga Reddy, Actor-MLC Vijayashanti, Mahesh Goud himself, and Naveen Yadav. And after Mohammed Azharuddin’s recent entry into the cabinet, many senior leaders believe a reshuffle cannot be ruled out. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Nationalists in Congress upset with ‘namdar’: PM Modi rips into Rahul; slams anti-EC campaign
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a day after the NDA’s historic win in Bihar, launched a sharp attack on the Congress, saying dissatisfaction was spreading among senior nationalist leaders who had once worked closely with Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi. Taking a veiled dig at Rahul Gandhi, Prime Minister said that their frustration stemmed from the conduct of what he called the party’s “namdar” leadership. He further accused the opposition of now turning its anger towards institutions instead of accepting the verdict. Addressing a gathering of Bihari residents in Surat, PM Modi said the Congress and its allies had turned to blaming institutions instead of introspecting. “Opposition can’t explain poll rout even to their workers and blaming EVMs, EC and electoral rolls’ revision,” he said, calling it part of a “habitual” attempt to discredit constitutional bodies. He also pointed to what he described as growing frustration among younger opposition MPs, saying, “When we meet young Congress members or INDIA alliance members in the Parliament, they say, ‘Sir, what can we do? Our careers are coming to an end. We don’t even get a chance to speak in Parliament because these people keep saying, ‘Lock Parliament,’ every time.’ They’re unable to answer their own constituencies…” — ANI (@ANI) Turning to Bihar, PM Modi praised the state’s voters for delivering a decisive mandate and setting what he described as a global example. He said Bihar’s political clarity had strengthened the NDA while exposing weaknesses in the opposition’s message. “Bihar is famous worldwide today… Bihar’s women and youth formed a combination that strengthened the foundation of politics for decades to come,” he said. He highlighted the 10 per cent vote gap between the NDA and the Mahagathbandhan as evidence of a clear preference for development. He sharply criticised opposition leaders, accusing them of attempting to divide voters. “For the past two years, these ‘jamanati’ politicians, who are out on bail, were going around in Bihar giving speeches about casteism… This election in Bihar has completely rejected that poison of casteism. This is a very bright sign for the country.” He also referred to controversies over Waqf properties, saying Bihar’s voters had dismissed what he called “communal poison”. The NDA secured a massive mandate in the Bihar assembly elections winning 202 seats while the Mahagathbandhan secured 35. Rahul meets Kharge to discuss Cong’s Bihar poll drubbing Meanwhile, the Congress on Saturday questioned the role of the Election Commission in the Bihar poll process as its top leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and party president Mallikarjun Kharge, met in Delhi to assess the party’s poor performance. Gandhi and Kharge were joined by K C Venugopal, Ajay Maken and Bihar in-charge Krishna Allavaru. Sources said the meeting focused on the Congress winning only six of the 61 seats it contested, its second-worst tally in the state since 2010. After the discussions, Venugopal blamed the Election Commission for the outcome, alleging that “the entire poll process is questionable and there is no transparency”. Calling the result “unbelievable for all of us”, he said alliance partners were also “not believing it”. He argued that a “90 per cent plus strike rate for a political party” had never happened in Indian history and said the Congress was collecting data from across Bihar and would present “concrete proof” within one or two weeks. Venugopal said the conduct of electioneering was “completely questionable” and alleged that “the Election Commission is totally one-sided”. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Siddaramaiah met Rahul Gandhi in Delhi, now DK Shivakumar is going to meet him. Is something going to happen in Karnataka?
Amidst speculation about a cabinet reshuffle in Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah met with Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, in New Delhi. Sources said that Siddaramaiah, along with Energy Minister KJ George, held a 30-minute discussion with Gandhi at former Congress President Sonia Gandhi’s residence. Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah met Rahul Gandhi in Delhi. The two held a half-hour discussion at Sonia Gandhi’s residence. Siddaramaiah’s Energy Minister KJ George was also present during the meeting. It is believed that this meeting was about the reshuffle in Karnataka. Siddaramaiah’s two-and-a-half-year term is coming to an end. There is speculation that DK Shivakumar could be replaced as Chief Minister, and that a cabinet reshuffle would give new faces a chance. However, Siddaramaiah dismissed these speculations, stating that the only discussion during their meeting was the Bihar election results. Meanwhile, DK Shivakumar’s statement on this meeting sparked speculation. Siddaramaiah kept this meeting a secret, although the news spread in the media. He did not want his meeting with Rahul Gandhi to become public. Siddaramaiah, who usually shares photos of every meeting, big or small, on social media, did not post a single photo of his meeting with Rahul Gandhi. This sparked all sorts of speculation. Siddaramaiah’s Claim The Karnataka Chief Minister said, “Yes, I met Rahul Gandhi. We only discussed the Bihar elections. He is our leader, so we encouraged him after the Bihar election defeat. He said he was not worried about it. We told him not to lose heart. There was no discussion on a cabinet reshuffle. If I get time, I will meet the Prime Minister on Monday.” What DK Shivakumar Said Reacting to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s meeting with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said he was unaware of the meeting. He said, “I am not aware of the Chief Minister’s meeting with Rahul Gandhi. I am not aware of any discussion on a cabinet reshuffle… I don’t know if I will meet (with Rahul Gandhi) on Sunday.” Amid growing curiosity about potential changes in the Karnataka leadership, Shivakumar said, “If you have any questions about leadership changes, talk to the Chief Minister. We have to listen to the party.” Shivakumar further said that the Chief Minister has every right to meet Mallikarjun Kharge, the Home Minister, or the Prime Minister. What is wrong with that? Siddaramaiah’s Claim In addition to statements from various ministers and Congress leaders, Siddaramaiah himself hinted on Tuesday that a cabinet reshuffle was likely, as two positions had become vacant due to the resignations of ministers KN Rajanna and B Nagendra. A source familiar with the meeting said that Rahul Gandhi has given his approval for a reshuffle in the state cabinet. The source added that it is now up to the Chief Minister to decide. Meanwhile, amid discussions of a leadership change, KPCC President DK Shivakumar also arrived in New Delhi on Saturday and is expected to meet with Gandhi and other senior leaders. It is reported that he now wants to include MLAs from his faction in the cabinet expansion. Curated by: Shashi Mishra About the Author Shashi Pandey Mishra is a senior journalist at Navbharat Times Online. She writes stories on politics, crime, health, and the human angle. She also enjoys writing on issues related to women and children. She also writes ground reporting and interesting stories. She has 18 years of experience in journalism. Courtesy: Hindi News
Rahul Gandhi’s Bihar setback: Congress slips badly, INDIA bloc routed — what could have gone wrong
NEW DELHI: Haryana, Maharashtra, Delhi — and now Bihar. What should have been a comeback moment for the Congress-led INDIA bloc instead turned into a rout. Bihar has delivered the harshest blow yet. With the Nitish Kumar–led NDA storming past the 200-seat mark and the Congress slipping to one of its most disappointing performances in the state, the INDIA bloc’s brief post-Lok Sabha momentum has abruptly evaporated, pulling the coalition back to political reality. Follow Bihar election results 2025 live updates NDA won 202 seats out of the 243-member assembly, reducing the Rashtriya Janata Dal to a historical low and Congress to single digits. This comes down to Congress’ tactical, not strategic, electoral marriages with regional parties, which often lead to chaos and confusion in the run-up to the elections. What happened in Bihar? Alliance without alignment In the run-up to the Bihar elections, the Mahagathbandhan allies hit their first roadblock over the seat-sharing deal. While the NDA, despite all the infighting, reached a deal, the RJD, Congress, VIP and Left parties failed to decide on seat allotment even till the eve of the first phase of the elections. In at least 11 constituencies, allies within the Mahagathbandhan — the RJD, Congress, CPI and VIP — found themselves pitted against each other, leading to what were described as “friendly fights” but which in reality ended up splitting the opposition vote. These contests, spread across Vaishali, Kahalgaon, Narkatiaganj and several other seats, reveal how coordination failures and local ambitions undermined the alliance’s broader effort to challenge the BJP-led NDA’s dominance in the state. Interestingly, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha – key partner of INDIA bloc from Jharkhand” withdrew from the Bihar contest after a stalemate over its seat-sharing deal with the INDIA bloc. “Unfortunately, JMM won’t be part of the Bihar polls despite my intentions and plans. This is only because of RJD’s ‘political’ immaturity,” JMM leader Sudivya Kumar had said after the impasse. Rahul’s Bihar miss Leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi once again proved to be a flop show in the Bihar assembly election. The Congress leader’s Voter Adhikar Yatra, which he rolled out just days ahead of the election, did not prove to be a trump card. Additionally, his repeated attacks on the Election Commission and charges of “vote theft” proved to be irrelevant in Bihar politics. Following his yatra, Rahul Gandhi remained largely absent and returned to the campaign trail only on 29 October. Gandhi’s absence has become a significant issue amid a crisis within the party’s ranks, with many leaders alleging discrepancies in the distribution of tickets. Meanwhile, overwhelming women voters’ participation tilted the mandate toward the NDA, boosted by welfare schemes for women. One of the most talked-about schemes before the election was Mukhya Mantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana — Rs 10,000 assistance for women wanting to start small enterprises. Women voters took the lead in what the Election Commission of India described as Bihar’s highest-ever voter turnout, with 71.6 per cent of female electors casting their ballots compared to 62.8 per cent of men. In the first phase of voting, 69.04 per cent of women turned out to vote, well above the 61.56 per cent male turnout. The trend strengthened in the second phase, when 74.03 per cent of women voters exercised their franchise, again surpassing the 64.1 per cent turnout among men. Overall, Bihar recorded a 66.91 per cent voter turnout — the highest since the state’s first elections in 1951 — with women driving the surge in participation. The Seemanchal split The Mahagathbandhan’s dilemma over partnering with Asaduddin Owaisi’s AIMIM in Seemanchal also proved to be costly for the opposition alliance, as the fight between AIMIM and the Mahagathbandhan benefitted the NDA in the region. While AIMIM managed five seats in the region, the Mahagathbandhan was reduced to only nine seats. AIMIM leader Waris Pathan claimed that “RJD and the Congress are themselves responsible for the division of minority votes.” He further said that the opposition alliance was given an opportunity to come together “by seeking only six seats from the Mahagathbandhan, but they refused”. No cadre for Congress In the run-up to the elections, cracks within the Congress Bihar unit also resurfaced. Rebel Congress leaders, including several MLAs, staged protests for being denied tickets. These leaders demanded the immediate replacement of the party’s Bihar in-charge Krishna Allavaru with a ‘political’ person. After the Bihar polls, the next challenges for INDIA alliance awaits in the form of West Bengal, Assam and Tamil Nadu assembly election. Now, it will be interesting to see how the opposition bloc. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
MP: BTP MLA writes to CM, demanding an investigation into the expenditure of ₹1.25 lakh crore from the Tribal Sub-Plan Fund.
The MLA has requested the Chief Minister to prepare a department-wise review report of the expenditure of the TSP Fund over the past three years, to clarify whether the funds have been used in accordance with the intended objectives. Bhopal. Serious questions have been raised regarding the use of the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) funds, created for the development of tribal-dominated areas. Kamleshwar Dodiyar, MLA of the Bharat Adivasi Party from the Sailana constituency in Ratlam district, has sent a letter to Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav demanding a high-level investigation and department-wise review of the expenditure incurred under the TSP Fund over the past three years. 1.25 lakh crore spent in three years, but where is the benefit? MLA Dodiyar stated in his letter that the state government has spent approximately ₹1.25 lakh crore under the TSP Fund over the past three financial years. However, the worrying fact is that this amount was primarily spent not through the Tribal Affairs Department but was used by 42 other state departments for their own projects. According to him, out of a total provision of ₹148 lakh crore, actual utilization of ₹125 lakh crore was recorded. Of these, the Energy, Agriculture, and Rural Development departments spent the most. In contrast, expenditure by the Employment, Industry, Tourism, and New Energy departments was negligible, raising questions about the scheme’s objectives. Serious Allegations Regarding Fund Transfer Dodiyar also mentioned in his application that the Water Resources Department transferred ₹355 crore from the TSP to other general items, which is contrary to the spirit of the Tribal Sub-Plan. He stated that when departments use TSP funds for their regular schemes, it raises concerns about how much of the actual benefit has reached the tribal community. Implementation deviates from the original spirit of the scheme MLA Kamleshwar Dodiyar stated clearly that the primary objective of the TSP fund is to develop basic amenities such as education, health, roads, irrigation, electricity, drinking water, employment, and social security in tribal-dominated areas. This fund was specifically created for areas where infrastructure remains weak and people lack easy access to basic entitlements. However, he expressed concern that when this amount is spent on general schemes of various departments, the intended development work in tribal areas remains incomplete. This not only undermines the original objective of the scheme but also adversely impacts the socio-economic empowerment of these communities. Demand for Department-Wise Review and Audit The MLA urged the Chief Minister to prepare a department-wise review report of the expenditure of the TSP fund over the last three years to clarify whether the funds have been used in accordance with the intended objectives. He also demanded that financial audits be conducted against departments that have arbitrarily diverted funds to other items, ensuring transparency in the entire process. The MLA also demanded that departments or officials whose negligence has adversely affected the development of tribal areas be held accountable. He believes that without strict action, the proper utilization of TSP funds cannot be ensured, and its true beneficiaries, the tribal communities, are being deprived. MLA Dodiyar suggested that in future, TSP funds be allocated and spent only through the Tribal Affairs Department, so that the funds can truly be utilized in accordance with the needs of tribal areas. He said that if TSP funds continue to be used for general schemes of other departments, the development of tribal areas will remain limited to paper only. MLA Dodiyar requested Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav to take immediate cognizance of this serious issue and issue necessary instructions. He also said, “An investigation should be conducted into the misuse of TSP funds and I should be informed promptly of the action taken.” Ankit Pachauri Courtesy: Hindi News
Chhattisgarh: This unique museum in Naya Raipur tells the saga of bravery of unsung tribal heroes.
History from 1774 to 1939 comes alive in 16 galleries; the sword of Martyr Veer Narayan Singh and the ‘Adi Vani’ app are the main attractions. Raipur: Whenever the country’s freedom struggle is mentioned, images of great heroes like Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose come to mind. Their stories inspire millions. However, the contribution of revolutionaries from the tribal community in this struggle was no less, although very few people know about them. To recognize these unsung heroes and make their stories accessible to the public, a very special museum has been created in Naya Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The ‘Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Memorial and Tribal Freedom Fighter Museum’ is not just a building, but a living document of history. PM Modi inaugurated Located in Sector 24 of Naya Raipur, this sprawling museum spans 9.75 acres. It was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 1 of this year. The total cost of this project, designed by the Tribal Welfare Department, was ₹53.13 crore. The museum aims to provide visitors with a holistic experience of the lives and struggles of tribal revolutionaries. Displays include life-size statues depicting key moments of the freedom struggle, historical documents containing execution orders, and weapons used by the rebels. A testimony to the struggle from 1774 to 1939 The museum is divided into 16 galleries, where hundreds of statues narrate the untold stories of the atrocities and resistance faced by tribal communities between 1774 and 1939. Sonmani Bora, Principal Secretary of the Tribal Development Department, said, “The digital experiences here, including the sword used by martyr Veer Narayan Singh against the British, his memorial, and a digital view of the famous Maa Danteshwari Temple in Dantewada, make this museum an unforgettable experience for visitors.” A Wonderful Confluence of Art and Culture The main entrance of the museum is decorated with traditional wood carvings from the Surguja region. The names of 200 tribal freedom fighters are also inscribed, giving visitors a sense of pride even before they enter. A life-size statue of Birsa Munda is installed in the courtyard. It is noteworthy that Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary (November 15) is celebrated nationwide as ‘Tribal Pride Day’. More than a dozen digital screens have been installed in the reception hall, playing animated video stories. Additionally, there is a mini-theater where short films based on the life stories of tribal leaders like Veer Narayan Singh, Gend Singh, Gundadhur, and Ramadhin Gond are shown. A glimpse of various tribes While the reception area is brightly lit, the galleries are dimmed to bring the statues to life. The exhibits showcase the culture, beliefs, arts, and skills of Particularly Backward Tribes (PVTGs) such as the Kamar, Baiga, Abujhmariya, Pahari Korwa, and Birhor. Their sculptures, paintings, and everyday objects are also on display. From the Pages of History: Captain Blunt and Veer Narayan Singh Recalling an interesting historical incident, TRTI Assistant Director Anil Virulkar told the Indian Express, “The museum also features the story of Captain Blunt of the East India Company. When he tried to invade Bastar in 1795, the local tribes—Gond, Koya, Dorla, and Madia—attacked him with their traditional weapons and forced him to retreat.” Another gallery tells the story of Veer Narayan Singh’s rebellion, who raised his voice against the British when they refused to give grain from their warehouses to tribal people struggling with hunger and poverty. Mahatma Gandhi’s visit to Dhamtari is also mentioned here. Connecting through Technology Special arrangements have been made to connect history with modern technology. TRTI Director Hina Netam said, “We have developed an app called ‘Adi Vani’, which offers translations in Gondi and Halbi languages. Additionally, we have created short films and videos in local languages such as Chhattisgarhi, Gondi, and Halbi, which will be shown on the museum’s immersive dome and other digital platforms.” This museum is certainly an enlightening pilgrimage for those who want to understand the incomparable contribution of tribal society to India’s freedom struggle. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News