Ulihatu, the birthplace of the revered tribal leader Birsa Munda, vibrated with celebratory fervor on Saturday as Jharkhand marked its 25th State Foundation Day alongside the 150th birth anniversary of the freedom fighter. Thousands of devotees, villagers, public representatives, and visitors from across the nation gathered to pay homage to ‘Dhartia Aba’ (Father of the Earth).
The solemn occasion saw dignitaries including Jharkhand Governor Santosh Gangwar and Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Jual Oram, MP Kalicharan Munda, former Union Minister Arjun Munda, and local MLAs Ram Surya Munda, Sudip Gudiya, and Vikas Singh Munda, along with the state’s Chief Secretary, laying floral tributes at the statue of Birsa Munda.
Governor Gangwar addressed the state ceremony at the Birsa Munda Complex in Ulihatu, highlighting the proud history and sacrifices of tribal communities in India’s freedom struggle. He emphasized the need to draw inspiration from their legacy. The Governor proposed the establishment of a Statue of Liberty-like monument for Birsa Munda in his birthplace and announced plans to develop Ulihatu into an ideal village and a prime tourist destination. He urged respect for one’s motherland, mother tongue, and culture.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren described Jharkhand as the land of heroes, whose sacrifices paved the way for the state’s formation. He stressed the collective responsibility to build a Jharkhand that fulfills the dreams of these martyrs. The Chief Minister stated that his government is actively engaging with people from all communities to understand and address their challenges. He highlighted ambitious schemes focused on the holistic development of tribal and indigenous communities, placing them at the forefront of the government’s development agenda. Soren added that 50% of the government’s expenditure is dedicated to the welfare of women, children, villages, the poor, and farmers. He characterized his administration as a ‘village-centric’ government, committed to delivering development to every household.
Acknowledging that many young attendees were born after the state’s formation, Soren noted that Jharkhand is now a 25-year-old ‘youthful’ state. He expressed a commitment to work with the youth to elevate Jharkhand among the nation’s leading states. The Chief Minister recalled a time when villagers relied on moneylenders for healthcare and education, contrasting it with the current government’s efforts to improve these sectors, empower women, and foster growth in sports, tourism, employment, and infrastructure.
He concluded by wishing everyone a Happy State Foundation Day and reiterating his profound respect for Dhartia Aba Bhagwan Birsa Munda, envisioning a prosperous Jharkhand where every citizen thrives and participates in the state’s overall development.