THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
West Singhbhum (Jharkhand), Feb 2: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Monday paid homage to the martyrs of Serengsia at a grand ceremony held in Toto block of West Singhbhum district. The event included foundation stone laying, inauguration of development projects, and distribution of assets to beneficiaries.
The Chief Minister offered floral tributes at the Serengsia Martyrs’ Memorial, remembering legendary freedom fighters, including Poto Ho, who had laid down their lives fighting British rule.
Legacy of the Serengsia Martyrs
Serengsia holds a special place in Jharkhand’s history as a symbol of tribal resistance against British rule. The martyrs of Serengsia, including legendary leader Poto Ho, laid down their lives while fighting colonial oppression and protecting tribal identity, culture, and jal-jungle-zameen (water, forest and land). Their sacrifice became a source of inspiration for later mass movements led by icons such as Birsa Munda and Sidho-Kanhu. The Serengsia uprising is remembered as one of the earliest organised struggles in the Kolhan region, reflecting the indomitable spirit and courage of Jharkhand’s tribal communities.
₹398 Crore Worth 197 Development Projects Launched
On the occasion, CM Hemant Soren laid the foundation stone and inaugurated 197 development schemes worth ₹398.19 crore.
These included the foundation stone laying of 122 projects worth ₹224.78 crore and the inauguration of 75 projects costing ₹173.40 crore.
In addition, assets worth ₹637.43 crore were distributed among 3,77,256 beneficiaries under various government schemes. The Chief Minister also handed over appointment letters to 1,479 youths, strengthening employment opportunities in Jharkhand.
Honouring Martyrs Is Part of Our Tradition: CM
Addressing the gathering, CM Hemant Soren said that honouring brave martyrs has always been an integral part of Jharkhand’s culture and tradition.
“Jharkhand is the land of valiant warriors. Almost every day, we remember the sacrifice of some martyr. We are strengthening this tradition so that future generations remain aware of the sacrifices made by our ancestors,” he said.
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Tribal Resistance Began Even Before Freedom Movement
The Chief Minister said that even before the formal freedom struggle began in India, tribal communities in Jharkhand had taken up arms against British oppression.
He referred to the historic Kol uprising in Kolhan and said that tribal ancestors sacrificed everything to protect their identity, jal-jungle-zameen (water, forest and land), and to resist injustice and exploitation by colonial rulers.
He said the land had witnessed the sacrifices of legendary heroes such as Birsa Munda, Sidho-Kanhu, Nilambar-Pitambar and Poto Ho.
Jharkhand Moving Ahead Rapidly on Development Front
CM Hemant Soren said his government was being run from villages rather than offices, ensuring that welfare schemes reach the last person in society.
“Problems are being resolved promptly, and the positive impact of government policies is clearly visible. Jharkhand is moving ahead rapidly on every front of development,” he said.
Education Key to Social and Economic Strength
The Chief Minister stressed that progress is not possible without economic, social, educational and intellectual empowerment.
He urged villagers to ensure education for both boys and girls, assuring full government support. He said the state is providing quality education, free coaching for medical and engineering entrance exams, and 100 per cent scholarships for higher studies abroad to deserving students.
Empowering Women a Priority
CM Hemant Soren said empowering women remains a key priority of his government.
Under the Mukhyamantri Maiyaan Samman Yojana, women aged 18 to 50 years are being provided ₹30,000 annually, enabling them to become financially self-reliant. Several other welfare schemes are also being implemented to support women across Jharkhand.
Dignitaries Present
The event was attended by Minister Deepak Birua, MP Joba Manjhi, MLAs Niral Purti, Dashrath Gagrai, Sukhram Uraon, Sonaram Sinku, Savita Mahato, Sameer Mohanty, Sanjeev Sardar, Jagat Manjhi and Somesh Chandra Soren, District Council Chairperson Laxmi Surin, DIG Anurjan Kispotta, Deputy Commissioner Chandan Kumar and SP Amit Renu, among others.