Jamshedpur: In a landmark move to strengthen the educational infrastructure, Education Minister Ramdas Soren announced the establishment of three new residential schools modeled on the prestigious Netarhat Residential School. The announcement was made during the grand celebration of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas organized at CSIR–National Metallurgical Laboratory (NML), Jamshedpur, to honor the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
The proposed schools will follow the CBSE curriculum and be equipped with resources surpassing even top-tier private institutions. These include advanced science laboratories, modern textbooks, comprehensive learning materials, and robust nutritional support systems. The objective, the minister emphasized, is to prepare tribal and rural students for national-level competitive examinations and to empower them with opportunities that have long remained inaccessible in remote regions.
Addressing an auditorium filled with over 300 students from tribal schools of East and West Singhbhum, along with educators and CSIR–NML staff, Soren stressed the urgent need to connect education with aspiration and opportunity. “Just as our freedom fighters had a vision for independence, today’s youth must envision a developed and empowered Jharkhand—and work towards it,” he said.
The event also saw the presence of dignitaries including Dr. Sandeep Ghosh Chaudhuri, Director, CSIR–NML; Dr. Naresh Chandra Murmu, Director, CSIR–CMERI, Durgapur; Dr. Manoj M. Humne, Chief Scientist and SC/ST Representative; and Aditya Mainak, Administrative Controller, CSIR–NML.
JanjJatiya Gaurrav Diwas, initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 15, 2024, celebrates tribal history, culture, and the legacy of tribal freedom fighters. Celebrations will continue nationwide until November 15, 2025, with a focus on increasing awareness about tribal contributions to India’s heritage and development.
During his address, Soren shared inspiring stories of icons like Tilka Manjhi, Sidho-Kanhu, and Phulo-Jhano, emphasizing their role in the fight for “Jal, Jungle, Zameen” (Water, Forest, Land) and the eventual formation of Jharkhand. Drawing a metaphor from train travel, he encouraged students to identify their career destinations and work relentlessly toward achieving them.
The Minister also highlighted initiatives such as the “Medha Samman Yojana”, which promotes girls’ education in the state. Expressing concern over the shortage of scientists in India, he urged the youth to pursue careers in research and innovation, stressing the need for local professionals—IAS, IPS officers, engineers, and doctors—to lead Jharkhand’s development.
Earlier, Dr. Sandeep Ghosh Chaudhuri welcomed the guests and encouraged students to draw inspiration from Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s revolutionary legacy. Dr. Naresh Chandra Murmu, himself a symbol of tribal success in science, delivered an impassioned speech on the power of knowledge and community-driven progress.
