Odisha tribals demand dedicated university, Bharat Ratna for leader

Hundreds of Munda tribal youths from Mayurbhanj gathered on Sunday in front of the District Collector’s office and staged a protest demanding recognition of their cultural and educational rights.

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The agitators later submitted a memorandum outlining several key demands, including the inclusion of the Mundari script in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, posthumously honouring the tribal leader Jaypal Singh Munda with Bharat Ratna, and establishing a dedicated tribal university in the Mayurbhanj district.

The protest highlighted the community’s commitment to preserving its linguistic heritage and promoting educational opportunities for tribal students. The youth emphasised that recognition of the Mundari script and acknowledgement of tribal leaders’ contributions are crucial steps toward strengthening their cultural identity.

Authorities received the memorandum and assured that the demands would be reviewed in consultation with higher government officials. The demonstration reflects ongoing efforts by tribal communities to secure representation and institutional support for their traditions, language, and education initiatives.

“Members of Munda Youth Association (a local outfit) gathered today and have submitted a memorandum to the President, Prime Minister, and Union Home Minister (through the District Collector),” a local tribal leader, Rakesh Singh Munda, said.

“The tribal leader (Jaypal Singh Munda) is well-known among others as a hockey player. But, tribals know him as their leader, who supported the community in all their agitations. We want him to be conferred with Bharat Ratna. Besides, we demand that the stadium in Baripada town be named after him,” Rakesh Singh Munda stated.

Echoing a similar voice, another agitator expressed, “We demand that the Mundari script should be included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution and a dedicated tribal university be set up for higher education of the youths in Mayurbhanj district.”