Under the Seva Pakhwada 2025, the BJP organised the Vishisht Jan Samman ceremony in Ranchi to honour individuals making remarkable contributions in society, arts, culture, and public welfare. The event recognised citizens whose efforts are shaping a “Badhte Bharat, Badalte Bharat.”
The awards highlighted the diverse talents and service of Jharkhand’s achievers. Among those honoured were artists Raman Gupta, Varsha Lakda, Manoj Shahri, Raju Kerketta, and Anita Bara; social workers Ravi Peter; journalists Anuj Kumar Sinha, Navendu Unmesh, Sonali Das, PP Pathak, Sunil Singh, Harsh Sinha, and Pramod Jha; scientists and technologists, including ISRO’s Guru Kamal Singh Jagdev; writers and academicians such as Pratima Tripathi, Manisha Sahay, Vibha Verma, and Dr. Ashok Kumar Singh; and sports personalities like Dev Jyoti Naha (Sepak Takraw) and Bhola Kumar (Lawn Ball). Yoga coach Rajni Bakshi, actors Abhinay Singh and Ramesh Chaudhary, and several others were also felicitated for their contributions.
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The event aimed to inspire youth by showcasing the achievements of these citizens. Speaking on the occasion, Padma Shri Mukund Nayak emphasised the importance of preserving Jharkhand’s language, culture, cuisine, and traditions alongside development. “We must move forward with a commitment to protect both nature and culture,” he said, encouraging the younger generation to embrace their heritage.
Ranchi MP and Union Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, the chief guest, said the ceremony highlighted the critical role of citizens in nation-building. “Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India is a growing and transforming nation. The contributions of these distinguished individuals in their respective fields are noteworthy,” he said. He also pointed to India’s strides in self-reliance, noting that the country now exports defence equipment to over 100 nations, a significant shift from dependence on foreign arms before 2014.
BJP MP Aditya Sahu, who coordinated the event, highlighted the significance of citizen participation in achieving the goal of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. “To realise the vision of India 2047, contributions from all sectors are essential. Every citizen must play a proactive role in national development,” he said.
Senior BJP leaders, including MLA CP Singh and Chief Whip Naveen Jaiswal, reinforced the message. Singh described the Modi government as a “performance-oriented administration,” noting that policies are translating into tangible development for villages, farmers, tribals, Dalits, and marginalised communities. Jaiswal added that honouring citizens strengthens the party’s connection with society and motivates future generations.
Journalist Anuj Sinha appreciated the initiative, observing that the recognition enhances national pride and encourages embracing indigenous practices. He reflected on the historic Swadeshi movement, recalling Mahatma Gandhi’s call from Ranchi a century ago, drawing parallels to India’s current self-reliance drive.