150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda: A state-level ceremony was held on Saturday at Birsa Munda Complex, Ulihatu in Khunti to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Dharti Aaba Bhagwan Birsa Munda and Jharkhand State Foundation Day. Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Chief Minister Hemant Soren and Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Jual Oram attended the event. The programme followed a floral tribute ceremony offered at the birthplace of Birsa Munda.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Hemant Soren said Jharkhand has always been a land of brave warriors who sacrificed everything to establish the state. He noted that the freedom and direction enjoyed by the people today were possible only because of the struggle, relentless effort and sacrifice of the state’s heroes.
He said fulfilling the dreams of those who built Jharkhand is the collective duty of every citizen.

Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Chief Minister Hemant Soren and Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Jual Oram attended the event. (Theorist photo)
The Chief Minister grew emotional while remembering Dishom Guru Shibu Soren, saying that his absence is deeply felt. He compared the loss to the silence that falls over a home when an elder passes away, expressing that he too is experiencing that pain.
Commitment to Holistic Development of Tribal Communities
Hemant Soren said the state government has been reaching every village to understand the problems and hardships of all communities. He emphasised that the government is implementing several ambitious schemes focused on the overall development of tribal and indigenous communities.
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In every developmental programme, he said, these communities are placed at the highest priority.
The Chief Minister stated that nearly 50 percent of government expenditure is dedicated to the welfare of mothers, sisters, daughters, villagers, the poor and farmers. He added that Jharkhand is not being governed only from the state headquarters in Ranchi, but through a village-centric approach that ensures development reaches every household.
Calling Jharkhand a “25-year-old young state,” he urged the youth who were born after the state’s formation to join hands in taking Jharkhand forward and positioning it among the leading states of India.

A grand celebration was organised to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Brirsa Munda, in Khunti, on Saturday. (Theorist photo)
Highlighting improvements in essential services, the Chief Minister said that earlier people had to borrow money from landlords or wealthy individuals for medical treatment or education. The government is now working to change these conditions. He said special efforts are being made to empower women, and notable progress has been made in education and healthcare.
Soren added that in the coming days, major initiatives will be undertaken in sports, tourism, employment and core infrastructure. The government’s vision, he said, is to bring prosperity to every household, ensure smiles on people’s faces and make every resident a partner in Jharkhand’s development journey.
He concluded by extending warm greetings on State Foundation Day and paying tribute to Dharti Aaba Birsa Munda.
The event was attended by MLAs Vikas Singh Munda, Ramsurya Munda and Sudip Gudiya, Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar, Birsa Munda’s descendant Sukhram Munda, senior district officials and a large number of villagers.