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Govt releases comic book as tribute to tribal freedom fighters

The Ministry of Culture has released the third comic book on tribal freedom fighters

Celebrating 75 years of India’s Independence, Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the Ministry of Culture released a third comic book on stories of 20 tribal freedom fighters. The book was released during the Tiranga Utsav celebration in New Delhi.

This collection of stories narrates the sacrifices of some of the bravest men and women who inspired their tribes and gave up their lives to fight British rule.

Among the leaders who are included in this present edition are Birsa Munda, who became a legend by leading a series of confrontations with the British. Caught and imprisoned, he died at the age of 25. Likewise, Tilka Majhi mobilised the Pahadia tribe to which he belonged and raided the East India Company’s treasury. He was hanged.

Similarly, Thalakkal Chanthu of the Kurichiyar tribe who was part of Pazhassi Raja's war against the British was hanged too.

Oraon tribe’s Budhu Bhagat was shot down in one of his many encounters with the British, along with his brother, seven sons and 150 men from his tribe. Khasi chief, Tirot Singh on seeing through the game of English, launched a struggle against them and was captured, tortured and imprisoned.

Other noted leaders in the book are Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu from the Santhal community; Rendo Manjhi and Chakra Bisoi of the Khond tribe who objected to the British interfering in their customs; Ramji Gond of the Gond tribe who rose against the wealthy landlords supported by the British; and Telanga Kharia of the Kharia tribe, who refused to accept the English tax system, among others.

The Ministry has released pictorial books on 75 freedom fighters in collaboration with Amar Chitra Katha. The objective is to create awareness among the youth and children about the supreme sacrifice and patriotism of our lesser known heroes of the freedom struggle.

The first comic book was on India's 20 Women Unsung Heroes while the second one covers stories of 15 Women elected to the Constituent Assembly have already been released.