The 23rd Sthapna Divas of Jharkhand was recently celebrated by the Consulate General of India in New York in collaboration with the Bihar Jharkhand Association of North America. JanJaatiya Gaurav Diwas and Bhagwan Birsa Munda's birthday were also observed.
The event, which highlighted the rich cultural traditions of Jharkhand, drew over a hundred people. Traditional songs and dances from Jharkhand were performed by children and women.
Consul General Randhir Jaiswal reflected on his upbringing in Ranchi and his involvement in hockey. During his address, Anurag Kumar, president of the BJANA, encouraged everyone to make a point of visiting Jharkhand when they travel to India. The event featured a video message from Dr. Gopal Pathak, vice chancellor of Sharla Birla University. He spoke highly of BJANA's contributions across disciplines.
Jharkhand Gaurav awardees were introduced by BJANA president-elect Sanjeev Singh. Ohio-based cardiologist Dr. Bhola Nath Rama, Dr. Ratnabali Ranjan, a pediatrician from Portland, Oregon and Dr. Avinash Gupta, a cardiologist from New Jersey, were the recipients of the award.
Jharkhand Gaurav recipients on stage.
Originally from the village of Rewa in Khunti, Rama established the "Bhola and Sunita Rama foundation" to help economically disadvantaged students from his hometown afford college. PRAN-BJANA is a medical organization founded and directed by Ratnabali Ranjan, who along with her husband, the liver transplant surgeon Dr. Dinesh Ranjan, and Dr. Geeta Gupta, an internist, provides free medical care and outreach to underserved communities in outlying areas of the Indian states of Bihar and Jharkhand.
Gupta, who is from Ranchi's Lapung block, has dedicated his life to community service and has led several non-profit organizations, including BJANA and MOCAAPI. In addition to his roles as chief of cardiology and president of the medical staff at Monmouth Medical Center's Southern Campus and a member of the Ocean County Board of Health, he serves as chairman of Shree Siddhivinayak Temple, Indian Cultural Community Center in Toms River. He has been elected president of Federation of Indian Associations for the year 2024.
Dr. Gupta expressed gratitude to the Consulate General, BJANA, and FIA for the awards and recognition he had received, as well as for giving him the opportunity to serve the local community. Volunteer work, he said, is demanding in terms of time and energy but rich in personal satisfaction. “India made us doctors at 25 rupees a month which is 30 cents. Today we have everything in America and it’s time to give back to the community both in our Karmabhumi and Matribhumi,” he maintained.
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