Aamir Khan offers flowers at Dashrath Manjhi’s memorial in Gehlaur, Gaya, during his visit in February this year. Picture by Suman

The state government has woken up to the neglect meted out to Dashrath Manjhi, one of its most prized sons whose determination and perseverance needs no preface.

Popularly known as the Mountain Man of Bihar, Dashrath will now have a festival in his name.

Art, culture and youth affairs minister Vinay Bihari told The Telegraph that the two-day event next year would be a gala show to which the state would invite Mr Perfectionist Aamir Khan.

The actor had gone to Gehlaur village in Gaya district, around 100km from Patna, and had met Dashrath’s son and daughter-in-law, Bhagirath and Basanti Devi, on February 25 this year when shooting for the Satyamev Jayate second season.

“The government will hold a two-day festival in Dashrath’s name for the first time from January 14 in Gaya. It would be held annually and be called the Dashrath Manjhi Mahotsav. The department plans to hold several events to make it a gala event. Aamir Khan, who knows about the life and struggle of Dashrath, would be invited to the fest. A formal invitation would be sent to the actor shortly and we are sure that he would oblige us,” said the minister.

Dashrath had single-handedly excavated a 360ft long, 30ft high and 30ft wide passage by cutting through a hill near Gehlaur with a hammer and chisel, working day and night.

Dashrath’s wife, Falguni Devi, had died for want of treatment. She couldn’t be taken to the hospital in time because of unavailability of roads. The loss affected Dashrath deeply and he cut through the mountain to build the road over a span of 22 years from 1960 to 1982. As a result of the road, the distance from his village to the nearest block was reduced considerably.

On August 17, 2007, Dashrath passed away after a battle with cancer.

“Aamir Khan had come to Gaya and met Dashrath’s family after getting inspired by his feat. So, we feel that his presence in the fest would be important and well received. The state government will bring in popular artistes from different parts of Bihar to hold cultural events. Though the planning in connection with the events is being finalised at this moment, the focus would be on educating people on Dashrath’s struggle and achievement. There would be stage shows and dramas depicting the same,” said Bihari.

A biopic on Dashrath is being made with critically acclaimed actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui playing the protagonist.

Dashrath’s son and daughter-in-law lived in abject poverty all through. Basanti died owing to want of proper treatment in April this year. Next month, Bhagirath alleged that Aamir Khan had not keep his promise of providing financial help. He had added that if he had money, his wife could have been saved.

“There are still many who don’t know about him (Dashrath) and this festival would help in his recognition even more. With more people knowing him, things would improve for sure,” said Bihari.