216th Birth Anniversary of Shaheed Pandey Ganpat Rai Celebrated in Bhonro Village
Minister of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Cooperation Shilpi Neha Tirkey paid floral tributes to the martyr’s statue, stating: “We need to move forward on the path of development in unity.”
“Women should invest the amount received under the Chief Minister Maiyaa Samman Yojana for their economic growth.”
The government stands ready to support self-reliant and hardworking women.
Lohardaga: The 216th birth anniversary of Shaheed Pandey Ganpat Rai was celebrated in Bhonro village of Bhandra Block in Lohardaga district. The program was organized by the Shaheed Pandey Ganpat Rai Memorial Committee and commenced with the lighting of a lamp by the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Cooperation, Shilpi Neha Tirkey. Earlier, the honorable minister, deputy commissioner of Lohardaga, superintendent of police, and other dignitaries paid floral tributes to the martyr’s statue.
On this occasion, the minister emphasized the need to work collectively for the development of the state and the nation. She said, “Unity strengthens us, whereas division weakens us. History has proven that whenever society has fragmented, the nation has suffered. Our ancestors, like Pandey Ganpat Rai and Birsa Munda, understood this and selflessly led society. It is because of the sacrifices of our freedom fighters that we breathe in a free country today and enjoy constitutional rights.”
The minister added, “Visiting Pandey Ganpat Rai’s village fills me with pride. He was a courageous individual who led the country’s independence movement, a monumental task. Without his selfless struggle, we wouldn’t have achieved independence. His greatness is evident from the fact that even after 216 years, we remember him today.”
Stadiums Named After Freedom Fighters
The minister highlighted that efforts by former Education Minister Bandhu Tirkey resulted in naming stadiums at Khelgaon after the region’s freedom fighters and heroes. She mentioned that an indoor stadium is named after Shaheed Pandey Ganpat Rai, and there is also the Shaheed Sheikh Bhikhari Complex.
Women’s Investments for Growth
Under the Chief Minister Maiyaa Samman Yojana, eligible women in the state currently receive ₹2,500 monthly. The minister urged women to use this amount for their children’s education and essential needs, and also to invest it for further growth. She praised the hardworking and resilient women of Lohardaga district, highlighting recent government support like loans provided to the district’s Farmer Producer Organizations. She stressed that the government is identifying and supporting women engaged in poultry, fisheries, horticulture, and animal husbandry to help them achieve better outcomes.
Distribution of Assets
The minister distributed various assets from different departments, including:
₹20 lakh credit linkage to two women’s self-help groups under JSLPS (Devi Maa and Santoshi Maa SHGs).
Approval letters under the Savitribai Phule Kishori Samriddhi Yojana for Kriti Kumari.
Approval letters for the Chief Minister Old Age Pension Scheme to Hafiza Khatun.
Residential certificates to Shazia Parveen.
Fishing nets to Rohit Bhagat under the Fisheries Department.
A sprayer machine to Marwari Oraon under the Agriculture Department.
A rotavator to Sanjay Kumar Mahali.
An approval letter for housing under the Abua Awas Yojana.
Fighting a Powerful Empire: Dr. Waghmare Prasad Krishna
Deputy Commissioner Dr. Waghmare Prasad Krishna lauded Shaheed Pandey Ganpat Rai for his valiant fight against the British Empire, which was one of the most powerful regimes of its time. He said the 1857 revolt saw leadership emerge across different regions, and the brave sons of Chotanagpur sacrificed their lives for their motherland. He emphasized the importance of teaching children about these local heroes and freedom fighters.
Preserving Culture and Systems: Haris Bin Zama
Superintendent of Police Haris Bin Zama praised Shaheed Pandey Ganpat Rai for his efforts to preserve the region’s culture and systems. He organized people and resisted enemies with great courage. He urged everyone to follow the martyr’s path.
Agriculture Fair and Book Launch
An agriculture fair was also organized at the program venue. The fair was inaugurated by the agriculture minister, featuring stalls from agriculture, fisheries, health, social security, child development, Hindalco, and Abua Awas. The minister inspected these stalls.
A book titled Shabdanjali, based on the life of Shaheed Pandey Ganpat Rai, was launched by the minister. The author was honored with a shawl and a momento.
The event saw the presence of Padma Shri Madhu Mansuri, Additional Collector Jitendra Munda, committee president Dr. Vandana Rai, District Public Relations Officer Shivanandan Baraik, District Agriculture Officer Kalen Khalkho, District Fisheries Officer, Social Security Director Pramod Kumar Das, Block Development Officer, Circle Officer, family members of Shaheed Pandey Ganpat Rai, and residents of Bhonro village.
