Children participate in the flag-making competition at Guru Nanak Higher Secondary School. Picture by Prashant Mitra

Ranchi, Aug. 14: Freedom-fighters from Jharkhand are not very hot with our ministers and politicians.

Although the state is set to observe the “third Independence Day” in Jharkhand, politicians appear to have no clue to the martyrs from Jharkhand; or to freedom fighters like Thakur Vishwanath Shahdeo, Budhu Bhagat, Sheikh Bhikhari, Nilambar Pitambar and Jatra Tana Bhagat. They are equally ignorant of the tana bhagats or the historic place of the Hazaribagh central jail in the annals of the freedom movement.

The Telegraph conducted a random survey, asking ministers and legislators if they could throw some light on these heroic figures from Jharkhand; if they could name some of them and if they knew anything more about the sacrifice made by them.Dulal Bhuiyan, JMM MLA from Jugsalai, sat still when asked the question and concentrated on surfing the television channels. After a while he said: “Could you please come back tomorrow?”

Theodore Kiro, the Congress MLA, speaking over the telephone, turned out to be smarter. “Right now I am a bit busy. I will return to Ranchi tomorrow and only then will I be able to give the information. Meanwhile you can speak to my personal assistant and tell him the subject. We will send you a write-up.”

Sadhnu Bhagat, the labour and employment minister, was candid in admitting, “among the freedom fighters, I have some idea about Budhu Bhagat who started the Kole revolt. I don't know much about others.” The ignorance is not confined to ministers and politicians. Said the District Public Relations Officer Mukul Lakra, “We know that besides Birsa Munda, the other great freedom fighters of the state are not very well known.