The Bihar Jharkhand Association of North America (BJANA) hosted a spirited celebration of Jharkhand Diwas and Jan Jatiya Gaurav Diwas, paying homage to Jharkhand’s cultural heritage, tribal identity, and the timeless contributions of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. The event brought together dignitaries, community leaders, youth performers, and supporters for an evening that beautifully combined tradition, pride, and unity.
The celebration began with registration and refreshments, followed by a captivating video presentation showcasing the natural beauty and cultural richness of Jharkhand. Emcee Sarika Dubey opened the program with an inspiring welcome, reflecting on the courage, vision, and enduring legacy of Birsa Munda in India’s freedom movement. Her remarks set an emotional tone and laid the foundation for the evening’s celebration of heritage and pride.
Tribute and Leadership Reflections
Mr. Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, Consul General of India in New York, thanked the community for its active participation and called on members to promote tourism in Jharkhand. He emphasized innovation, cultural preservation, and community involvement as key to the state’s sustainable development, while encouraging support for social welfare initiatives.
A special short documentary honored Bhagwan Birsa Munda, depicting his bravery and the pivotal role he played in empowering tribal communities and shaping the spirit of Jharkhand. The cultural segment followed with “Ulgulan,” a thematic performance dedicated to Birsa Munda’s revolutionary life, and “Tribal Tarang,” a lively presentation inspired by the Karma Festival’s traditions and energy.
Recognizing Community Leaders
BJANA President Sanjeev Singh expressed heartfelt gratitude to Consul General Pradhan and the Consulate team for their collaboration in commemorating Jharkhand Diwas. He lauded performers and volunteers for their dedication, commending the youth for their spirited participation. Vice President Priti Kashyap also thanked attendees and the executive committee, emphasizing the importance of preserving Jharkhand’s cultural identity in the diaspora through events like this.
A felicitation ceremony celebrated six distinguished members for their exceptional contributions to the community:
- Ms. Sweta Tewary
- Dr. Ramesh Pandey
- Ms. Anita Pathak
- Mr. Mukesh Jha
- Dr. Sanjiv Sharma
- Mr. Lakhendra Dangi
Each honoree expressed gratitude, sharing reflections on their journey and dedication to service and cultural promotion.
Celebrating Unity and Cultural Pride
The event concluded with a warm Vote of Thanks from Mr. Dipen Banerjee, followed by a group photograph capturing the spirit of unity and pride. Guests enjoyed lively discussions and refreshments as the evening closed on a high note.
Esteemed community leaders including Rajendra Prasad, Dr. Avinash Gupta, Rajiv Akhaury, and Alok Kumar also attended, congratulating participants and applauding BJANA’s continued efforts to promote cultural and social engagement in North America.
BJANA extended deep appreciation to all volunteers, dignitaries, and artists for making the event a grand success. The organization reaffirmed its mission to celebrate the shared heritage of Bihar and Jharkhand and foster stronger community ties across North America.
