Port Blair, Nov. 15: The 137th Birth Anniversary of the Great Freedom Fighter Birsa Munda was celebrated today at Ranchi Association, Port Blair. Various programme’s like Birsa Munda Rolling cup hockey tournament, Painting competition, Group song, drawing competition was organised by the Association.

The main programme was conducted today at Ranchi Association where the Chief Guest of the programme Shri G. Theva Needhi Dhas, IAS Secretary (Tribal Welfare, A&N Administration) along with guest of honour Shri Som Naidu, Director (Tribal Welfare) A&N Administration presided over.

The programme commenced with garlanding the statue of Birsa Munda by the guests, President Shri J. N. Biswa Karma and Ex- President Shri Agapit Kujur. Thereafter a colorful cultural programme was presented by the cultural group of Ranchi Association.

In the beginning welcome speech was delivered by the President, Ranchi Association after which Shri Agapit Kujur Ex-president highlighted the contribution the life history of Birsa Munda.

Shri Prakash Minj, Organizing secretary-cum-Treasurer, Ranchi Association highlighted the current activities and future plan of the Ranchi Association also appreciated all hockey players and participants of different competitions on the occasion.

In their address the chief guest and the guest of honour deliberated about the contribution of Great Freedom Fighter Birsa Munda. They also mentioned the contribution and development of Chota Nagpuri adivsi’s for Andaman Nicobar islands. The chief guest hoped that the Government of India and Andaman Nicobar Administration will come forward to help through various schemes for development of these communities.

At the end of the programme, the vote of thanks was proposed by the Secretary, Youth culture and sports of Ranchi Association Shri Dan Bhushan Barla.