Ranchi, January 25: Acclaimed litterateur and former head of tribal and regional language department at Ranchi University, Dr Giridhari Ram Gonjhu who died in April last year due to breathing problem in Ranchi has been nominated for the Padma Shri award in the field of literature and education posthumously.
The late Giridhari Ram Gonjhu ‘Giriraj’ was one of the prominent composers of Jharkhand. He was a master of Hindi and Nagpuri language. The sensibility of Jharkhand was easily reflected in his creation. Born on 5 December 1949 in Belvadag, Khunti district, the life of Dr. Giridhari Ram Gonjhu was a struggle.
After doing his initial education in Khunti, he completed MA, BEd, LLB and PhD. Among his published works are Kori Bhar Pazhra, Nagpuri Gad Tairangan, Khukdi-Rugda etc. His articles have been published in many magazines.
He was also honored with many types of honors including Jharkhand Ratna and had published more than 25 books.
Padma Awards – one of the highest civilian Awards of the country, are conferred in three categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. Padma Vibhushan’ is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service; Padma Bhushan for distinguished service of high order and Padma Shri for distinguished service in any field. The awards are announced on the occasion of Republic Day every year.
These awards are conferred by the President of India at ceremonial functions whichare held at Rashtrapati Bhawan usually around March/ April every year. This year the President has approved conferment of 128 Padma Awards including 2 duo case (in a duo case, the Award is counted as one). There are four Padma Vibhushan,17 Padma Bhushan and 107 Padma Shri Awards.