Ranchi: On the occasion of Jharkhand State Foundation Day’s silver jubilee, Chief Minister Hemant Soren got a little emotional while addressing the gathering, remembering the absence of tribal leader Shibu Soren.
“Although we have come together to celebrate Foundation Day, there is a quiet moment in my heart today,” he said. “Because our guiding figure Shibu Soren is not among us, it will take some time to overcome this, but we will. Such moments can unsettle anyone. We are not just tribals; we are the original inhabitants of the nation, its first heirs, ready to walk step by step with it.”
Soren highlighted the struggles, sacrifices, and dedication that went into forming the state. “Hundreds of years ago, ancestors laid the foundation of this land, giving it a distinct identity. Thanks to their struggles, tribal communities can now stand tall and proudly call themselves Jharkhandis. This legacy was earned by our forefathers and brave sons, and it is now up to younger generations and citizens to shape and develop the state.”
Looking ahead, Soren emphasized planning for 2050, saying Jharkhand has contributed immensely to the nation through its land, minerals, and workforce. “Factories ran on resources from this soil, production increased, and the country’s trade grew. People of Jharkhand have helped build a developed India. We hope the nation recognizes Jharkhand’s contributions with the respect and rights it deserves.”
The CM stressed that a developed nation requires a developed state, and a developed state begins with thriving villages. “Jharkhand is blessed with resources that can give it a unique identity in India,” he said. Efforts are underway to align state development with people’s economic, social, mental, and intellectual growth. Education, health, and technology sectors are seeing new milestones, and children are excelling both academically and in sports.
Referring to the dreams of the state’s heroes, Soren said their statues are not just symbols but sources of inspiration, guiding the state toward balanced development. To strengthen half of the population, the government is allocating half of the budget, a move already influencing other states.
During the celebrations, Soren inaugurated and laid the foundation for 1,087 projects worth Rs 8,799 crore, including 209 projects totaling Rs 4,475 crore and 878 projects worth Rs 4,324 crore. A souvenir was also released by the CM and Governor on the occasion.