Ranchi, Feb. 15: The government has sanctioned Rs 6.5 lakh for historical research on freedom fighters of Jharkhand, Tribal Research Institute director Prakash Oraon said at a seminar organised on the eve of the birth anniversary of martyr Budhu Bhagat.
“We should not forget the freedom fighters of the state, who had shed their blood to give us freedom. The institute will undertake extensive research on 18 freedom fighters of the state,” Oraon said. He said the institute would award scholars who conduct research into the life and times of the freedom fighters. The institute is also expecting a similar grant from the Centre for the research work. He said he institute is also making a documentary on Budhu Bhagat. Karma Oraon, a tribal leader, said at the seminar: “Bhagat was not only a leader of the tribals but of the whole nation. He consistently fought against social evils. He waged a relentless battle against the landlords, who exploited the poor tribals.”
Oraon said: “In 1828, Bhagat spearheaded the Lakra Mutiny. Tribals from Ranchi, Lohardagga, Khunti and the adjoining areas of the region joined him. He and his followers revolted against the British, who called them the Kolh Insurgents. During the Sepoy Mutiny, Bhagat was one of the leaders from this region. According to Historians, Bhagat was born on February 17, 1792. We will organise some ceremonies at his birthplace in Shilagain on that day. People from across the state will be present.”
Several historians and scholars attended the seminar. Basanti Devi, a lecturer from Ranchi Women’s College, read out some of her poems on Bhagat. Basanti Devi, who is from the same village as Bhagat, narrated some anecdotes about him.
AIR quiz: The Union ministry of science and technology will host an inter-school science quiz game show for students of Ranchi along with Prasar Bharati. The special programme — “Vigyan Vichitra” — will be broadcast from February 16 to May 18 in 14 episodes, reports our Ranchi correspondent. Sources at AIR, Ranchi, said the 20-minute weekly programme would be broadcast on Ranchi main channel.
