Book on legendary freedom fighter Bhuvaneshwar Pandey unveiled

Shatrughan Prasad

Deoghar

“Bhumi Pandey’s story is not just to be heard — it is to be lived and practiced in one’s own life.”

These powerful words were spoken by Forward Bloc national leader Janardan Pandey during the book release ceremony of Santhal Pargana ke Subhash Bhuvaneshwar Pandey. The book throws light on the multifaceted life of Bhuvaneshwar Pandey, a legendary freedom fighter, close associate of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, and the first elected MLA of Deoghar Assembly.

Published by Shri Ramakrishna Kalpataru Math and compiled by Santosh Kumar Jha, the book was formally released in Rohini — Bhuvaneshwar Pandey’s birthplace and the land that witnessed revolutionary freedom struggle activities.

While paying rich tributes to Pandey’s life and contributions, Janardan Pandey emotionally acknowledged that he learnt the very basics of politics from the great freedom fighter. “He was truly a yug pravartak (epoch-maker),” he said.

The program began with floral tributes at Bhuvaneshwar Pandey’s portrait. This was followed by a soulful Saraswati Vandana by Ramchandra Pandey and a patriotic song by Santosh Srivastava.

Prominent speakers who shared their views included Iti Jha (author of the book on Santhal Pargana’s freedom fighters), Birbal Pandey (nephew of Bhuvaneshwar Pandey) and Poetess and teacher Dr. Sandhya Rani (whose poem adorns the book’s cover)

Dr. Vijay Shankar, Parmanand Mandal, and noted Hindi-Angika poet Dhirendra Chhatarwal, who also recited a poem dedicated to Bhuvaneshwar Pandey.

Senior journalist Prof. Ramanandan Singh, who presided over the event, highlighted that even after independence, Bhuvaneshwar Pandey continued his fight against corruption and worked tirelessly to promote harmony in Rohini.

Veeresh Verma efficiently conducted the program. A vibrant Kavi Sammelan (poets’ meet) marked the conclusion of the event.

Among those present were Nirmala Thakur, Falguni Marik Kushwaha, Ravi Shankar Sah, Baban Badiya, Santosh Kumar Jha, Vasudev Barnwal, Chandan, Kedar Das, Dayanand Pandey, and many others.

The event was a heartfelt tribute to a towering son of the soil whose revolutionary spirit continues to inspire generations.