Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday virtually inaugurated the Ropuiliani Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum (RTFFM) located in Kelsih, Mizoram. It was inaugurated on the occasion of Tribal Pride Day, which is celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of the great tribal freedom fighter Lord Birsa Munda.
Ropuiliani was among the early tribal leaders who opposed British colonial rule in the erstwhile Lushai Hills (in what is now Mizoram). The freedom fighter was arrested and imprisoned by the British and later taken to Rangamati in Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) in present-day Bangladesh, where he died in captivity in January 1895.
Tribal Pride Day was celebrated across the country on the occasion of the 151st birth anniversary of Lord Birsa Munda. Ropuiliani Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum has been established at the Tribal Research Institute of Kelsih, a rural village and emerging tourist destination located in Aibok block of Aizawl district of Mizoram.
According to an official statement issued by the Mizoram government, the museum complex includes a museum building, an open-air theatre, a traditional hut, a heritage walk, Birsa Munda Tribal Pride Garden, a cafeteria and staff quarters, among other facilities.
Before the inauguration, Mizoram Governor retired General Dr. Vijay Kumar Singh visited the museum on November 10 and inspected the preparations and arrangements for the inauguration.
This museum has been built by the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs to remember the contribution and sacrifice of tribal freedom fighters in India's freedom struggle and to showcase their role in the country's freedom movement.
During his visit, the Governor described the museum as a special tribute to the courage, sacrifice and contribution of Mizo freedom fighters in the national freedom movement. He said that this institution will serve as a valuable legacy for both Mizoram and the country. It will also play an important role in inspiring and educating the coming generations about the history and heritage of tribal freedom fighters.
The Governor also stressed the need to develop the Museum as a world-class facility to attract visitors, researchers and tourists from across the country and outside.
A senior official said that the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs has given Rs 25.59 crore to build the Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum.
The Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs is setting up 11 such museums in 10 states to commemorate different tribal movements and rebellions against the British Raj and to showcase the rich cultural heritage, history, traditions and contributions of the tribal communities.
The objective of these museums is to preserve and promote the heritage of tribal freedom fighters and to further recognize their important role in India's freedom struggle. A similar Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum is also being built in Tamenglong, Manipur.