A Tribute to Jharkhand’s Freedom Struggle: Martyrdom Day Celebrated
Ranchi: A grand ceremony was held at the historic Chutupalu Valley, along the Ranchi-Ramgarh route, to commemorate the martyrdom of freedom fighters Shaheed Sheikh Bhikhari and Tikait Umrao Singh. The event began with the garlanding of their statues and portraits, followed by floral tributes.
Addressing the gathering, Jharkhand Government Minister Hafizul Hasan stated, “During the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857, Jharkhand’s valiant leaders, Sheikh Bhikhari and Tikait Umrao Singh, made the ultimate sacrifice, which can never be forgotten. During my previous tenure, we allocated ₹3.5 crore to beautify the Chutupalu Valley memorial. It is our duty to bring their heroic tales from history to the masses.”
Congress Legislative Party Deputy Leader and Khijri MLA Rajesh Kachhap added, “The sacrifice of Sheikh Bhikhari and Tikait Umrao Singh is etched in golden letters in Jharkhand’s history. Their struggle continues to inspire us and spread the message of social unity.”
Prominent leaders in attendance included Congress State President Keshav Mahto Kamlesh, former Congress State President Rajesh Thakur, Ramgarh MLA Mamta Devi, Kanke MLA Suresh Baitha, National Secretary IYC Rajesh Sinha, Ranchi District JMM President Mustaq Alam, Ranchi District Congress President Dr. Rakesh Kiran Mahto, NSUI State Coordinator Musarraf Hussain, JMM Organizational Secretary Sajid Kausar, JMM Joint Secretary Mahtab Alam, and Congress District General Secretary Naeem Ansari among others.
Service Initiatives and Tribute Gatherings
As part of the tribute, woolen blankets were distributed to the needy. Memorial gatherings were also held in the martyrs’ ancestral villages of Khatanga and Khudiya Lotwa, as well as at Ormanjhi Block Chowk. Local residents and representatives paid homage by garlanding portraits and offering floral tributes.
The event concluded with attendees pledging to honor the sacrifices of the martyrs and uphold their ideals. The program not only celebrated their contributions but also fostered social unity and patriotism.
Participation of Local Representatives
Key local leaders who participated included Ormanjhi Congress Block President Tulsi Kharwar, Block Chief Anupama Devi, Deputy Chief Rizwan Ansari, Zila Parishad member Kamisner Munda, Former Deputy Chief Muntazir Ahmad Raza, Professor Premnath Munda, Naushad Alam, Sarfaraz Shahidi, Sakir Ansari, Sajjad Ansari, Majibul Ansari, Imam Ansari, Tauhid Alam, Mobin Ansari, Harimohan Mahto, Ehtesham Ali, Suraj Pathan, Salauddin Ansari, Ritesh Singh, and Aftab Alam, alongside a large number of villagers.
The primary aim of the event was to pass on the legacy of Jharkhand’s brave freedom fighters to the younger generation while promoting unity and patriotism in society. This heartfelt tribute served as a step toward keeping the martyrs’ ideals alive in the collective memory of the people.
