Painter celebrates birthday by distributing books, pens to tribal children
Kumar Prabhat
Dumka
In an era where spending thousands of rupees on lavish parties and cutting extravagant cakes has become the norm to celebrate birthdays, a poor tribal laborer from Dhatikbona village in Dumka block has set an inspiring example. By turning his special day into an opportunity for community service, he has shown that making a difference requires a big heart rather than deep pockets.
Pradeep Murmu, who supports his family by painting houses, chose a unique way to mark his 27th birthday. Instead of throwing a conventional party, he spent the day with local children, distributing notebooks and pens while inspiring them to understand the true value of education.
Murmu is already a well-known figure in his village for his dedicated efforts to preserve tribal culture, heritage, and traditions. Every Sunday, he organizes the weekly Manjhi Than prayers with local children to ensure the younger generation remains deeply rooted in their cultural identity.
On this particular Sunday, which coincided with his birthday, Murmu began his day by offering prayers alongside the children at the village Manjhi Than. After distributing *prasad*, he handed out educational supplies to the kids, encouraging them to study hard and strive for a brighter future.
Reflecting on his initiative, Murmu shared that a birthday should not merely be about self-celebration, but should also be seen as an opportunity to fulfill one’s responsibility toward society. He firmly believes that if every individual contributes even a small portion of their resources to support the education of underprivileged children during special occasions, it could spark a massive positive transformation in society.
Prominent social worker Marang Buru Sachidanand Soren, along with several village elders, highly praised Murmu’s thoughtful gesture. They noted that despite his limited income and daily financial struggles, his unwavering dedication to education and community welfare is deeply inspiring. His selfless act serves as a powerful reminder that true social service does not depend on vast wealth, but on a generous heart and a positive mindset.