Ulihatu, the sacred birthplace of tribal icon Bhagwan Birsa Munda, was alive with celebration on Saturday as Jharkhand commemorated its 25th State Foundation Day and the 150th birth anniversary of its revered leader. The village buzzed with activity, drawing thousands of admirers, locals, and dignitaries to honor ‘Dhartia Aba’.
The distinguished assembly included Governor Santosh Gangwar, Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Union Minister Jual Oram, MP Kalicharan Munda, former Union Minister Arjun Munda, and local representatives Ram Surya Munda, Sudip Gudiya, and Vikas Singh Munda. They participated in the solemn ceremony to pay homage.
Governor Gangwar, addressing the gathering at the Birsa Munda Complex, spoke about the valor and rich heritage of tribal communities, acknowledging their vital role in India’s freedom struggle. He advocated for a prominent memorial to Birsa Munda in Ulihatu and pledged to develop the area as an exemplary tourist spot, fostering cultural tourism. The Governor underscored the importance of cultural preservation and pride.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren declared Jharkhand as a land built on the sacrifices of countless heroes. He pledged his government’s commitment to fulfilling the vision of those who fought for the state’s creation. Soren emphasized the administration’s focus on understanding and addressing the needs of all communities, with a special emphasis on the holistic development of tribal and indigenous populations through targeted schemes. He highlighted that 50% of government expenditure is dedicated to empowering women, children, villagers, the poor, and farmers, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to a ‘village-centric’ development model.
Soren noted that Jharkhand, now 25 years old, is entering a new phase of growth, driven by its youth. He expressed a strong desire to collaborate with the younger generation to elevate the state’s status nationally. The Chief Minister also mentioned the strides made in improving access to education and healthcare, contrasting the present with the past, and outlined plans for future development in sports, tourism, employment generation, and infrastructure enhancement.
He concluded by wishing everyone a happy State Foundation Day and offering profound respect to Dhartia Aba Bhagwan Birsa Munda, reiterating the goal of creating a prosperous and happy Jharkhand for all its citizens.