Lagatar24 Desk
Ranchi, Oct.29: Eloquent tributes were paid to former union minister, eminent technocrat and social reformer Kartik Oraon on his 97th birth anniversary celebration at Birsa Agricultural University (BAU) on Friday.
Addressing the event, rural development minister Alamgir Alam remembered Oraon for his attachment towards the land, forest, water bodies and farmers of the region.
“Kartik Oraon had special attachment towards the land, forest, water bodies and farmers of the region. That is why despite acquiring several engineering degrees from India and abroad, he preferred the establishment of an Agricultural University instead of a new engineering college in the Jharkhand region. Carving out of BAU from Rajendra Agricultural University, Samastipur four decades ago was the result of his consistent efforts. Hundreds of technical graduates passing out from this university every year will become brand ambassadors of Jharkhand by serving the educational, research, training institutes and industry across the country,” he said.
Former human resource development minister of the state and daughter of Kartik Oraon, Dr Geetashree Oraon, remembered her father for his love for books.
“He was a voracious reader. While pursuing an MSc engineering course in London, he used to sit in the library for late hours. Since there was a scheduled time for closing the library gate, one night he was inadvertently locked in the library by the gate man. Baba spent the whole night going through the books and next morning he was very elated on devoting the whole night to reading,” she said.
Talking about contribution to the development of tribals, the former HRD minister Oraon said: “The Akhil Bhartiya Adivasi Vikas Parishad established by baba in 1968 is working in 28 states of the country for unity and all-round development of different communities of tribes.”
BAU Vice-Chancellor Dr Onkar Nath Singh on the occasion talked about the development of the university established by Oraon.
“Students of the University are performing exceedingly well despite the shortage of teachers and administrative staff. This year, 31 graduates of BAU cracked the National Eligibility Test (NET) conducted by Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB), New Delhi. Altogether 230 students were conferred graduate degrees this year. The first batch of Dairy Technology College, Dumka and Fisheries Science College, Gumla also passed out. Agricultural Engineering College, Ranchi and Horticulture College, Chaibasa will start producing graduates from the year 2022,” VC Singh said.
Welcoming the guests, Dr DK Shahi, Director of Students Welfare outlined the academic, administrative and political achievements of Kartik Oraon and said that tribal culture and tradition could be protected following his ideals only.
Dr MS Yadav, Dean Agriculture said if Kartik Oraon would have survived some more years, BAU would have a different physical shape and stature today.
