Jharkhand marks Birsa Munda’s 150th Birth Anniversary and 25 Years of Statehood with unveiling of Rs.8,799 crore projects

Ranchi: Jharkhand marked a historic occasion as the state celebrated the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda along with the 25th anniversary of its formation at a grand state-level ceremony at Morabadi Ground. Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar attended as Chief Guest, while Chief Minister Hemant Soren led the celebrations.

Calling it a day of “immense pride,” CM Soren said the occasion honoured both the legacy of Dharti Aaba and the aspirations of a young state that has steadily shaped its identity over the last 25 years. He paid tribute to the martyrs and leaders who fought for a separate Jharkhand, reaffirming the government’s resolve to fulfil their vision.

CM Soren grew emotional as he remembered the late Shibu Soren, describing him as the architect and guiding force of the separate-state movement. He said the stage would have felt “more complete” had the Dishom Guru been present.

Reflecting on Jharkhand’s tribal heritage, he invoked the contributions of Birsa Munda, Sidho-Kanhu, Nilamber-Pitamber and Jatra Tana Bhagat, noting that the identity of every Jharkhandi emerges from the historic struggle for jal, jungle aur zameen. He stressed the need to preserve the rich cultural and traditional heritage of Adivasi communities to strengthen Jharkhand’s global identity.

Speaking on the state’s development, the Chief Minister said Jharkhand has witnessed rapid transformation and is now prepared to stand alongside India’s leading states. He reiterated that rural empowerment forms the backbone of the state’s progress, emphasising that villages must thrive for the state and the nation to advance.
He further pointed out that Jharkhand is not only rich in minerals but also holds tremendous potential in tourism, sports and skilled manpower. The government, he said, is working to ensure abundant opportunities for future generations. He also underscored the significant role Jharkhand’s minerals and labour force play in powering industries across India and contributing to the country’s economic strength.

Reviewing the state’s 25-year journey, CM Soren highlighted the government’s efforts in women’s welfare, particularly the growing impact of the Mukhyamantri Maiya Samman Yojana, which has begun to influence policies in other states.

He said the government is expanding its initiatives across education, healthcare, sports and tourism and urged citizens to plan the next 25 years with a focus on ecological balance, inclusive growth and overcoming historical challenges.

As part of the celebrations, the Governor and Chief Minister inaugurated an exhibition by the Information and Public Relations Department, showcasing the state’s development timeline, Birsa Munda’s legacy and the contributions of Shibu Soren. A commemorative booklet highlighting key achievements was also released.

Marking the state’s Silver Jubilee, the Chief Minister unveiled development projects worth Rs 8,799 crore. These include the inauguration of 878 projects valued at Rs 4,324 crore and the foundation laying of 209 projects worth Rs 4,475 crore. The projects span critical sectors such as road construction, rural works, energy, water resources, technical education, tribal welfare, agriculture, health, tourism and urban development.
The Information and Public Relations Department set up a special exhibition at the venue, which was inaugurated by the Governor and the Chief Minister. The immersive zone showcased 25 years of Jharkhand’s journey, the legacy of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, other freedom martyrs and the life of Dishom Guru Shibu Soren. A booklet highlighting the state’s achievements over the past 25 years was also released.

Director and Special Secretary of DIPR, Rajiv Lochan Bakshi briefed the Chief Minister and the Governor about the exhibition, outlining its focus on Jharkhand’s cultural identity, historic struggle and development milestones.
Among the major foundation stone projects are the development of recreation, eco and community parks in the Ranchi Smart City area; renovation of the Birsa Munda Bus Terminal at Khadgarha; construction of 50-bed critical care blocks in Koderma and Hazaribagh; a district early intervention centre in Gumla; a synthetic football ground in Simdega; and eco-tourism attractions such as Tilak Manjhi Nature Park and a fossil park.

Key inaugurated projects include a new MLA residential complex in Ranchi’s Core Capital Area; new collectorate buildings in Deoghar and Lohardaga; a 400 KV transmission line and grid substation at Patratu; new engineering and professional colleges in Godda and Bokaro; a 50-bed hospital in Domchanch; prefab field hospitals in Dhanbad, Barajamda, Boarijor, Pakuria and Thethaitangar; the Dhanwantari AYUSH Hospital in Dumka; an international AstroTurf hockey stadium in Simdega; and conservation works at the historic Itkhori temple in Chatra.
The silver jubilee celebrations were attended by Congress in-charge K. Raju, Ministers Radhakrishna Kishor and Sanjay Prasad Yadav, Rajya Sabha MP Mahua Maji, MLAs Kalpana Soren and Amit Kumar Mahato, PCC chief Keshav Mahato Kamlesh, Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar, DGP Tadasha Mishra, senior officials and thousands of citizens.