CM Sanctions Rs 10 Crore for Facelift of Pandit Raghunath Murmu’s Samadhi Pitha

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday sanctioned Rs 10 crore for the facelift of Samadhi Pitha of Guru Gamke Pandit Raghunath Murmu.

Guru Gamke Pandit Raghunath Murmu’s contribution to Santali Samaj and Santali language and literature is widely recognized. Pandit Murmu invented the Ol Chiki script for the enhancement of Santali language and culture. Santali script is also recognized as a science-based script. Pandit Murmu has created many timeless pieces of literature in Santali script. He is remembered not only in the Santali community but in the entire world of Indian literature for his timeless achievements. His great contribution to Santali community has always made him revered. In memory of Pandit Raghunath Murmu, the State Government has named Baripada Medical College after him. In honor of Pandit Murmu’s contribution to the Santali community, the Government has also declared his Jayanthi Buddha Purnima as a public holiday.

On the instructions of the Chief Minister, 5T Secretary VK Pandian had visited Mayurbhanj for two days in March. He went to Dandbos and visited Pandit Raghunath Murmu’s tomb and also went to Pandit Murmu’s residence in Baripada.

During the meeting with the Santali people, Pandian promised that the State Government would take steps for the development of the place in memory of Pandit Raghunath Murmu. He had suggested the district administration prepare a comprehensive plan accordingly.
The Chief Minister approved the plan given by the district administration for the development of the Samadhi Pitha of Pandit Raghunath Murmu.

Accordingly, Rs 75 lakh will be spent for the development of Pandit Raghunath Murmu’s Samadhi Pitha at Dandbos-Kapiburu. Similarly, a meditation center will also be set up there at a cost of Rs 75 lakh. Besides, there is a plan to spend Rs 3 crore for the development of wall and connecting roads in Kapiburu, while Rs 2 crore will be spent for an auditorium and research centre. Rs 1 crore will be spent on dormitory and other facilities for the convenience of tourists coming from there. Rs 70 lakh will be spent for the beautification and reception of Kapiburu. Rs 1 crore will be spent on development of Dandbos, Bidu Chandan outdoor area and Marang-Ahara pool. Apart from this, it has been decided that Rs 80 lakh will be spent for drinking water and electrification.

The Chief Minister has directed the administration to complete the work as soon as possible.