Ranchi: Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar will hoist the national flag at the state-level Independence Day celebration in Morabadi, Ranchi, on August 15. The decision comes after Raj Bhavan approved a proposal from the state government, altering the usual protocol in light of Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s unavailability.
Traditionally, the Chief Minister unfurls the tricolour at Morabadi, while the Governor leads the celebrations in Dumka. However, this year, CM Soren will not participate in the Ranchi ceremony as he is currently observing the shraddh rituals of his father, former Chief Minister and JMM patriarch Shibu Soren, affectionately known as ‘Guruji’. The rituals are being held at their ancestral village, Nemra.
Shibu Soren, a towering figure in Jharkhand politics and one of the key architects of the separate state movement, passed away recently. His death has led to a wave of mourning across the state and within political circles. In view of the bereavement, the state has also decided to cancel the traditional ‘At Home’ event hosted at Raj Bhavan on Independence Day. Officials stated that the cancellation is a mark of respect to the departed leader.
Governor Gangwar’s participation in the Ranchi event ensures that the state-level celebrations will proceed with full honours, albeit with a more subdued tone due to the ongoing period of mourning. Security and ceremonial preparations are underway to ensure a smooth conduct of the programme at Morabadi.