Honouring Mr. Girija Satish: A Special Event in Ranchi

13 December 2024, Ranchi: The Jharkhand State Lok Samiti organized a felicitation ceremony at NBJK’s auditorium in Ranchi to honor Mr. Girija Satish, National President of the non-partisan people’s organization Lok Samiti and recipient of the prestigious Jamnalal Bajaj Award. The event highlighted Mr. Satish’s lifelong dedication to Gandhian values and social service.

In his introductory remarks, Mr. Satish Girija, President of the Jharkhand State Lok Samiti and a close associate of Mr. Girija Satish, shared their journey that began during their engineering studies at BIT Sindri. Inspired by Gandhi’s autobiography “The Story of My Experiments with Truth” and guided by Jayaprakash Narayan, they co-founded Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK) in 1971 and started their public life through Lok Samiti. Mr. Satish praised Mr. Girija for encouraging the establishment of over 100 voluntary organizations across Bihar and Jharkhand, stating, “We may not have seen Gandhi, but in Girija Ji, we see Gandhi.”

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Girija Satish dedicated the Jamnalal Bajaj Award to his colleagues, acknowledging their contributions to advancing the work of NBJK and Lok Samiti. He emphasized that Gandhian thought is vital for addressing the rise of aggressive nationalism, communalism, and wars globally. Expressing concern over increasing state power and the arms trade, he called on attendees to help eradicate social evils like alcoholism and superstitions.

National Coordinator of Lok Samiti, Mr. Kaushal Ganesh Azad, described Mr. Girija as a symbol of struggle and creativity, citing his pivotal role in the Bodh Gaya Land Movement, which led to the redistribution of 18,000 acres of monastery land to the landless. Other dignitaries also shared their admiration for Mr. Girija’s impactful contributions.

Mr. Badri Prasad Verma from Chatra District Lok Samiti highlighted his role in establishing Gramodaya Chetna Kendra. Mr. Manoj Dangi from Koderma District Lok Samiti called the Jamnalal Bajaj Award a moment of pride for Jharkhand. Mr. Praveen Chandra Pahadi of Giridih District Lok Samiti lauded Mr. Girija’s ability to instill confidence in others, while Mr. Abdul Hamid Ansari from Dhanbad and Mr. Basudev Sharma from Bokaro commended his efforts in breaking social taboos and promoting de-addiction programs.

Ms. Meena Devi described Mr. Girija as tireless and selfless, while Mr. Karma Mardi noted his leadership in resolving displacement issues in Dalma. Mr. Pankaj Kumar, an engineer, referred to him as the “Gandhi of today,” and Ms. Kunti Behan praised his efforts to keep the Lok Samiti vibrant and active.

In the vote of thanks, Mr. Wazir Ahmed, Vice President of the Jharkhand State Lok Samiti, called Mr. Girija Satish’s social service exemplary and extended wishes for his good health and long life. The event was a heartfelt tribute to a life devoted to Gandhian values and constructive work.