Mayurbhanj: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday approved the plan submitted by the district administration for the development of the burial area of Guru Gamke Pandit Raghunath Murmu. Accordingly, Rs 75 lakh will be spent on the development of Pandit Raghunath Murmu’s Samadhi Peetha at Dandabos-Kapiburu. Similarly, a meditation center will also be set up there at a cost of Rs 75 lakh.
Besides, there is a plan to spend Rs 3 crore for the development of walls and connecting roads in Kapiburu, while Rs 2 crore will be spent for an auditorium and research center. Another Rs 1 crore will be spent on constructing a dormitory and other facilities for the convenience of tourists visiting the place.
Rs 70 lakh will be spent for the beautification and setting up of a reception center at Kapiburu and Rs 1 crore will be spent on the development of Dandabos, Bidu Chandan outdoor area, and Marang-Ahara pool. Apart from this, it has been decided that Rs 80 lakh will be spent on drinking water projects and electrification.
All these works will be completed by the department in five phases. The Chief Minister has directed the administration to complete the work at the earliest.
It is worth mentioning here that 5T Secretary VK Pandian had visited Mayurbhanj on the instructions of the Chief Minister for two days on March 2 and 3. During his visit, Pandian went to Dandabos and Pandit Raghunath Murmu’s tomb and residence in Baripada. During the meeting with the Santhali population there, Pandian assured that the state government would take steps for the development of the place in memory of Pandit Raghunath Murmu. He had suggested the district administration prepare a comprehensive plan accordingly.
Guru Gamke Pandit Raghunath Murmu’s contribution to Santhali society and Santhali language and literature is well known. Pandit Murmu Alchiki invented the science-based Santhali script and enhanced the cultural identity of the Santhali community. He created many timeless pieces of literature in Santhali script.
Pandit Raghunath Murmu is remembered not only in the Santhali community but in the entire world of Indian literature for his timeless achievements. His great contribution to the Santhali society has always made him revered. The state government named the Baripada Medical College after Pandit Murmu.
