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 as chief guest, Rural Development Minister, Alamgir Alam said 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 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,”.
Speaking on the occasion former HRD Minister and daughter of late Kartik Oraon, Dr Geetashree Oraon, stressed on filling up of vacant positions of teacher and staff of BAU so that quality of teaching and training improves further.
“Despite his preoccupations in politics, Baba spent quality time with children whenever he was able to find time for them. Being the youngest among sisters and brothers, I got his maximum affection. He was a voracious reader. While pursuing MSc engineering course in London, he used to sit in library for late hours. Since there was a scheduled time for closing the library gate, one night he was inadvertently locked in library by the gate man. Baba spent whole night going through the books and next morning he was very elated on devoting the whole night to reading,” Geetashree said. The Akhil Bharatiya 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, she added.
