THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, Nov 15: At the Silver Jubilee celebration held at Morabadi Ground in Ranchi on Saturday, Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar said the completion of 25 years of Jharkhand marks a moment of “self-respect, self-reflection, and self-determination” for the people of the state. He said Jharkhand was created on the foundation of people’s aspirations, struggles, and dreams.
Tributes to Birsa Munda and Freedom Fighters
Gangwar paid homage to Bhagwan Birsa Munda, Sidhu–Kanhu, Nilambar–Pitambar, Phool–Jhano, and all freedom fighters who shaped the region’s history. Their sacrifices, he said, continue to enrich the legacy of this land.
He also paid a respectful tribute to former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee for his decisive role in the formation of Jharkhand. Gangwar said the state came into existence because of Vajpayee’s vision and commitment.
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The Governor noted that the day carries special importance as it coincides with the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda. He said the entire country is observing the occasion as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, and thanked the Prime Minister for giving national recognition to Birsa Munda’s extraordinary contribution.
Recalling the Formation of the State
Gangwar said that in 2000, when Jharkhand was created, he was serving as a member of the Union Council of Ministers and voted in favour of the statehood bill as a Lok Sabha MP.
He also remembered his longtime parliamentary colleague and key leader of the Jharkhand movement, the late Shibu Soren, and paid heartfelt tribute to him.
Progress Made Over 25 Years
The Governor said Jharkhand has made progress in sectors such as education, agriculture, mining, energy, sports, and culture over the past 25 years. He added that the state’s mineral wealth, cultural heritage, forests, and hardworking citizens are its biggest strengths.
He stressed the need for planned development of religious, natural, and cultural sites, saying this could boost tourism and create large-scale employment.
At the same time, he acknowledged that Jharkhand still faces challenges such as gaps in education and health, poverty, unemployment, and migration. With public cooperation, good governance, and effective implementation of policies, he said these challenges can be fully overcome.
Role in ‘Developed India @ 2047’
Gangwar expressed confidence that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Jharkhand will play an important role in achieving the national goal of “Developed India @ 2047.” He said the next phase of growth requires both strong policymaking and active citizen participation.
A Call for a Collective Pledge
On the occasion of the state’s Silver Jubilee, the Governor urged every resident to take a pledge to help build a strong, prosperous, and developed Jharkhand. He said progress in the coming decades will depend on honesty, responsibility, and collective effort.
Exhibition Visit
After the ceremony, the Governor visited an exhibition on the life of the late Shibu Soren, along with departmental stalls showcasing government schemes and initiatives.
