The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) inaugurated the yearlong celebration of ‘Jan Jatiya Gaurav Varsh’ on its campus, commemorating the contributions of tribal communities to India’s freedom struggle and honoring Bhagwan Birsa Munda.

The inaugural event, organized by the Registrar’s Office in collaboration with the Office of the Dean of Students’ Affairs, brought together faculty, students, officers, and staff. The celebration, which spans from November 15, 2024, to November 15, 2025, began with a tribute to Bhagwan Birsa Munda, a revered tribal leader and freedom fighter, on his 150th birth anniversary.

The event was inaugurated by Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director, IIT Kanpur; Prof. Pratik Sen, Dean of Students’ Affairs; and Shri Vishwa Ranjan, Registrar, IIT Kanpur. The ceremony commenced with floral tributes to Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s portrait by the dignitaries, alongside the President of the Students’ Gymkhana and the President of the Karmchari Sangathan.

Shri Prakalpa Sharma, Deputy Registrar (Legal), highlighted the Government of India’s mandate to celebrate Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s 150th anniversary as ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Divas’. He elaborated on the revolutionary movements led by tribal communities in India’s freedom struggle against British colonial rule, emphasizing the significance of their legacy.

The event set the stage for a series of yearlong activities aimed at celebrating tribal heritage, promoting awareness, and nurturing inclusivity within the campus community.