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Ranchi, Nov 15 (IANS) Jharkhand on Saturday completed 25 years of its formation by inaugurating and laying the foundation stone of 1,087 schemes worth Rs 8,799 crore at a grand Statehood Day function at the Morhabadi ground here.
Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar and Chief Minister Hemant Soren jointly launched the projects in the presence of several cabinet ministers and public representatives.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Gangwar said that Jharkhand’s 25th anniversary is an occasion for “self-respect, introspection and self-determination”.
He said that the foundation of the state rests on the struggles and aspirations of icons like Lord Birsa Munda, Sidhu-Kanhu, Nilambar-Pitamber and Phool-Jhano.
Recalling the important role of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in the creation of Jharkhand, the Governor said it was Vajpayee’s foresight that made statehood possible.
He said that November 15 has special significance as it is the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda and the country is celebrating Tribal Pride Day in his honour.
The Governor, who was a member of the Union Cabinet when Jharkhand was carved out in 2000, said he felt honored to vote in favor of the formation of the state.
Paying tribute to late Dishom Guru Shibu Soren, he said that the state would be indebted to his lifelong struggle.
Gangwar highlighted the progress in key sectors – education, agriculture, mining, energy, sports and culture – in the last 25 years.
However, he said the challenges of education, health, unemployment and migration still require continued attention. “Jharkhand has achieved significant development amid struggles,” he said.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren said that Jharkhand is the land of heroes and its identity is made by the sacrifices of countless martyrs.
He said, “Our resolve is to bring Jharkhand into the category of developed states in line with the aspirations of the people.” He said that the youth born after the creation of the state are now taking forward its development journey.
Soren said his government is investing heavily in the welfare of villages, poor, farmers, women and daughters.
He listed ongoing initiatives in health, education, sports, infrastructure and tourism and said Jharkhand will set “new benchmarks” in the coming years.
The Governor, Chief Minister and other dignitaries also visited an exhibition based on the life of late Dishom Guru Shibu Soren and viewed departmental stalls.
Cultural groups from across the state performed at the event and flowers were showered from helicopters at the venue.
–IANS
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