In a significant celebration of tribal heritage, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel officially launched the 'Janjatiya Gaurav Yatra' from Ambaji on Friday, November 7, 2025. The ceremonial flag-off marks the beginning of a week-long journey honoring the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, the revered tribal freedom fighter.
Inauguration and Political Presence
The auspicious commencement took place at Adhyashaktidham Ambaji, where Chief Minister Patel emphasized the yatra's importance in bringing tribal communities to the forefront of Gujarat's development narrative. The event witnessed significant political presence with Legislative Assembly Speaker Shankar Chaudhary and multiple Ministers of State including P C Baranda, Kamlesh Patel, Pravin Mali, and Swaroopji Thakor attending the inauguration ceremony.
Speaking at the event, CM Patel highlighted that the Tribal Pride Rath Yatra aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of "Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi" (Development with Heritage) and draws inspiration from Birsa Munda's spirit of "Aapno Desh, Aapnu Raaj." The yatra represents the state government's commitment to inclusive development and aims to contribute significantly toward achieving Viksit Gujarat and Viksit Bharat goals.
Yatra Route and Schedule
The meticulously planned Janjatiya Gaurav Yatra will traverse Gujarat through two distinct routes from November 7 to November 13, 2025. The northern route originates from Ambaji in North Gujarat, while the southern journey begins from Umargam on the Maharashtra border in South Gujarat.
The yatra will cover extensive ground across 14 tribal districts, spreading messages of public awareness and tribal pride. Following the district-level events, celebrations will extend to 20 non-tribal districts from November 13 to 15, culminating in a grand national-level event at Dediapada where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to grace the occasion on November 15.
Cultural Programs and Public Engagement
Villages along the yatra route will welcome the Janjatiya Gaurav Rath with traditional festivities and cultural performances. Each stop will feature comprehensive exhibitions showcasing Birsa Munda's life and contributions, along with information about various Central and State Government welfare schemes.
The yatra includes multiple public service initiatives such as:
- Health check-up camps for community welfare
- Seva Setu programmes facilitating government services
- Cleanliness drives promoting sanitation awareness
- Educational activities for youth about Birsa Munda's values
Various government departments will organize painting competitions, elocution contests, traditional Bhavai performances, lectures, and film screenings highlighting Birsa Munda's pivotal role in India's freedom struggle and ongoing nation-building efforts.
The year-long celebration, observed as Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh under Prime Minister Modi's inspiration, aims to acknowledge tribal communities' substantial contributions to India's independence movement while inspiring younger generations toward active participation in national development.
