PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, Nov 15: Sona Devi University celebrated the 25th Jharkhand State Foundation Day with grandeur and patriotic fervour today.
A series of cultural, academic and commemorative programmes were organised on the campus to mark the silver jubilee of the state’s formation.
Addressing the gathering at the Vivekananda Auditorium, Chancellor Prabhakar Singh called upon students and faculty members to work with dedication, honesty and commitment to take Jharkhand forward.
He emphasised that the state’s progress would strengthen its identity and honour. Extending greetings on the occasion of State Foundation Day and Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, Singh also paid tribute to Dharti Aba Birsa Munda on his 150th birth anniversary.
Reflecting on the circumstances surrounding the formation of Jharkhand, the Chancellor urged everyone to understand the sacrifices of the great tribal leaders who fought for a separate state.
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He expressed concern that despite being rich in mineral resources, Jharkhand continued to lag behind in education, healthcare, industry and development. “Only collective responsibility can ensure the state’s welfare and fulfil the dreams of our brave freedom fighters,” he said, encouraging students to be aware of their rights and to speak out against injustice.
University Registrar Dr. Gulab Singh Azad also extended greetings on the 25th Foundation Day and discussed the historical background of the Jharkhand movement.
He highlighted the contributions of legendary freedom fighters such as Tilka Manjhi, Veer Budhu Bhagat, Sidho-Kanhu, and Phulo-Jhano, urging students to draw inspiration from their courage and sacrifice.
Comparing Jharkhand’s developmental journey with Chhattisgarh and Uttarakhand, Dr. Azad said that the state had immense potential in tourism-based industries and must utilise its resources responsibly.
Assistant Professor of Mathematics Krishnendu Dutta spoke about the unique features of various districts of Jharkhand, including its mineral wealth, natural beauty and religious heritage.
Assistant Professor of Sanskrit Kumari Nikita recited her poem “Jharkhand Ki Dharti Bol Uthi”.
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Pharmacy student Kaushalendra Yadav shared his thoughts on the state’s developmental trajectory, while student Gayatri and her team presented a captivating folk dance.
Several competitions were organised as part of the week-long celebrations.
An essay competition on 12 November saw participation from 11 students, while the poster-making competition on 13 November drew eight entries from various faculties.
A vibrant rangoli competition was held on November 14. Lakshmi Murmu, Sangeeta Baske and Seema Mahato jointly bagged the first prize in the rangoli contest.
In the essay competition, Anshu Kumari (B. Pharma, 5th semester) secured first place, followed by Revati Kumari (B.Lib.I.Sc.) and Kaushalendra Yadav (B. Pharma).
In the poster-making competition, Rahul Nayak (BFA, 3rd semester) won first prize, while Jaydev Das (B. Pharma) finished second.
The third prize was shared by Abhijeet Kumar (B. Pharma) and Mohan Yadav (D. Pharma).
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The event commenced with floral tributes to Birsa Munda, honouring his sacrifice and extraordinary leadership.
The Vivekananda Auditorium stood witness to celebrations marking both his 150th birth anniversary and Jharkhand’s Silver Jubilee.
The programme concluded with the national anthem.