The State Government seems to be suffering from selective amnesia when it comes to recognising contributions made by local heroes for Jharkhand in international events. History is replete with instances when these unsung heroes made the country proud, brought laurels for the State but sadly forgotten like they were never existed.
Among the several unsung heroes to have made the State and the country proud is scion of Chotanagpur Dynasty Kumar Nripendra Nath Sahdeo. Born in Britain, the member of the royal clan earned the distinguished title of the second best signaler and second best scout in the 6th World Scout Jamboree held in 1947 in Moisson, France. This was a rare feat unimaginable for someone born as a British national. Born on November 29, 1949, Sahdeo was just 16-year-old when he was conferred with the award by the then King of England George Sixth and Queen Marry.
“He was the last Scouts captain of British India and first Scouts captain of Independent India. The contingent which he led was called by Pandit Jawharlal Nehru as ‘Troup of messengers of Independence’,” said son of the great man,AN Sahdeo.The member of the Chotanagpur dynasty has also been the recipient of King Scout, Special King Scout, BP Scout and Bushman Thomas award for being the extraordinary Scout.
He is also remembered as the man who averted clash between the contingent that represented India when people having allegiance to Pakistan and India started fighting with each other when the news of India’s partition broke out. “His contribution was significant because there was no encouragement from government at that time. Despite doing so much for the country and making country proud at International events government has failed to honour NN Sahdeo. Although he did not want anything for him but I think time has come that he should be given his due place,” said AN Sahdeo.
Interestingly, the family claims that government looked other way despite recommendations made by former MP Subodh Kant Sahay to Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) to dedicate a square in the name of the first hero of Scouts & Guide. The recommendation and representation is gathering dust as the government continues to name squares after one person or the other except one.
“So far only Bharat Scout & Guide celebrate NN Sahdeo’s birthday and Sainik School Tilaiya offers award on his name to NCC Cadets. Government is yet to do anything in the honour of Sri Sahdeo,” said the Sahdeo junior.If years of neglect was not enough the family was flabbergasted that NN Sahdeo failed to get even a mention in the 2011 National Games held at Ranchi.
“We want his glory remains alive and people get motivated,” asserted AN Sahdeo.The board of RMC is the sole authority for renaming or dedicating a square.As per the provisions the person seeking to rename of square has to submit a petition to the Mayor of RMC to put the proposal in the board’s meeting with details about the place to be renamed. The board after due deliberations passes or rejects the proposal.
“I am in the board from last six years and nothing has come to my knowledge so far. I am not aware of even any recommendation made by Subodh Kant Sahay. However if such a proposal comes to the board we will definitely look into this,” said Deputy Mayor Sanjeev Vijayvargiya.