Ranchi: Celebrating its silver jubilee, Jharkhand launched and laid the foundation for 1,087 projects valued at ₹8,799 crore during the Statehood Day programme held at Morabadi Ground on Saturday.
Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar and Chief Minister Hemant Soren jointly inaugurated the schemes in the presence of ministers, officials, and citizens.
The Governor said the 25th anniversary of Jharkhand is an occasion for “honour, reflection, and renewed resolve”. He highlighted the struggles of freedom fighters such as Birsa Munda, Sidhu-Kanhu, Nilambar-Pitambar, and Phool-Jhano as the foundation of the state.
He credited former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for giving shape to the dream of a separate Jharkhand and noted that November 15, Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary, is celebrated nationwide as Tribal Pride Day.
Gangwar, who served in the Union Cabinet during Jharkhand’s creation, said he felt privileged to have supported its formation. He also honoured the contribution of the late Shibu Soren, describing him as a lifelong champion of the people.
Reviewing the state’s progress, he pointed to major improvements in mining, agriculture, energy, education, sports, and culture over the past 25 years, while cautioning that challenges like unemployment, migration, and gaps in education and healthcare remain.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren said Jharkhand’s identity is rooted in sacrifice and bravery. He pledged to steer the state toward the ranks of India’s developed regions, stressing that a new generation is now shaping its development.
He highlighted his government’s focused investment in rural development, welfare of the poor, farmers, women, and youth, and listed ongoing initiatives in healthcare, education, sports facilities, infrastructure, and tourism.
Guests also visited a special exhibition on Shibu Soren’s life and viewed departmental displays. Cultural groups performed throughout the event, which concluded with a shower of flower petals from a helicopter.