THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, Nov. 25: At a ceremony held at Raj Bhavan, Ranchi, Governor Santosh Gangwar today released the book “Uraon Religion and Customs.”
The book was written about a century ago by anthropologist Sharat Chandra Rai and translated into Hindi by Raj Ratan Sahay.
Historic Work Made Accessible Through Hindi Translation
The book presents the life, beliefs, social structure, and cultural practices of the Oraon tribe.
Its Hindi translation now offers students, researchers, and the public easier access to material on tribal society.
Governor Speaks on the Importance of the Book
The Governor said the book is not only a research document but also an important record of India’s tribal traditions.
He said the translation helps readers understand the Oraon community’s worldview and cultural heritage.
He added that preserving traditional knowledge and cultural values is important, and such work contributes to this effort.
Arjun Munda Shares Views on Translation
Former Chief Minister Arjun Munda expressed his satisfaction at the book’s release.
He said tribal culture and traditions shape a state’s identity.
He added that translation is not only rewriting words but also conveying meaning, context, and cultural sense.
Translator Raj Ratan Sahay on His Work
Translator Raj Ratan Sahay said the translation is his way of serving the tribal community.
He said he considers himself fortunate to have been able to work on it.
He shared that he had earlier translated two other books by Sharat Chandra Rai — “Adim Munda and His State” and “Birhor.”
His aim is to make tribal knowledge available to more people and increase opportunities for study.
Dignitaries Attend the Event
The event was attended by former Chief Minister Arjun Munda, former Minister and MLA Rameshwar Oraon, former Minister and MLA Saryu Rai, former MP Sudarshan Bhagat, Vice Chancellor Savita Sengar, former Vice Chancellor Satyanarayan Munda, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, and several writers, researchers, educators, and tribal representatives.
SC Roy’s Contributions
Late S.C. Roy wrote more than a dozen books over twenty-five years about major tribes of Jharkhand and eastern India.
His work is still used in courts for reference in cases involving tribal communities.
However, since his books were written in English, many people — including the tribes — could not access them easily.
To address this, Raj Ratan Sahay, encouraged by Arjun Munda, took up the task of translating the books into Hindi.
Though he worked in the corporate sector and lived in the US for over two decades, he accepted this task.
His translations include “The Mundas and Their Country,” “The Birhors: A Little-Known Jungle Tribe of Chotanagpur,” and now the book on the Oraon tribe.
About Raj Ratan Sahay
Sahay is a management consultant and business author (“Inside the Indian Business Mind: A Tactical Guide for Managers”).
He is a gold medalist from Patna University, holds an MBA from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and has a PhD and LLB from Ranchi University.
He has worked with Accenture, Canon, and other corporations in senior roles.
