Narmada, Nov. 15 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that tribal pride has been an integral part of India's consciousness for thousands of years, and the country cannot forget the contribution of tribal society in the freedom movement.

Addressing a gathering here on Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, PM Modi said his government started celebrating Birsa Munda's birth anniversary as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas.

"Tribal pride has been an integral part of India's consciousness for thousands of years. Whenever the question of the country's honour, self-respect, and self-rule has arisen... our tribal society has stood at the forefront. We cannot forget the contribution of tribal society in the freedom movement," he said.

He accused the Congres...