Jharkhand Minister Chamra Linda Lays Foundation Stone for ?5 Crore Dhumkuria Building in Gumla

Jharkhand Welfare Minister Chamra Linda on Thursday laid the foundation stone for a multi-purpose Dhumkuria building at Puggu village in Gumla block, with an estimated cost of ?4.99 crore. The ceremony was held on the birth anniversary of tribal leader Baba Kartik Oraon, with the project aimed at preserving indigenous culture while expanding educational opportunities for rural youth.

The building will be constructed under a state-sponsored scheme at an estimated cost of ?4,99,72,500. Linda, who heads the state government's Welfare Department for Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes, excluding minorities, formally unveiled the foundation plaque and performed the ceremonial rituals.

Zila Parishad chairperson Kiran Mala Bara, Deputy Development Commissioner Animesh Ranjan, the Project Director of the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA), the District Welfare Officer, other administrative officials, local representatives and a large number of villagers attended the event.

### Cultural training, library and coaching facilities under one roof

The proposed Dhumkuria building is designed to serve as a centre for tribal cultural preservation, youth development and community activities.

A dedicated training hall on the ground floor will provide traditional musical instruments, including the mandar, dhol, nagara, jhanjh and ghanti. The facility is intended to help younger generations learn traditional music and dance and maintain their connection with indigenous cultural practices.

The upper floor will house a library and coaching centre for students, particularly those preparing for competitive examinations. The facility is expected to provide access to books, academic resources and a suitable environment for focused study.

The complex will also include a spacious marriage hall for weddings and other social functions, giving local residents a venue for community gatherings.

### Minister stresses the need to preserve tribal heritage

Addressing the gathering, Linda said a deeper understanding of history, traditions and cultural roots was essential to recognising what communities had lost over time and ensuring that their heritage was passed on to future generations.

He expressed concern over declining interest among young people and college students in traditional musical instruments, folk songs and indigenous performing arts. He said language, customs, traditional attire and musical instruments were integral to tribal identity and that preserving them was a collective responsibility.

The minister described the traditional Dhumkuria system as more than a physical space, explaining that it had historically provided young people with opportunities to learn, develop social values and understand their community's cultural practices.

The new facility, he said, seeks to combine these traditional functions with modern educational support. While young people will be encouraged to learn indigenous music and dance, they will also have opportunities to prepare for competitive examinations and pursue careers in fields such as medicine, engineering and civil services.

### Focus on opportunities for rural students

Referring to Deputy Development Commissioner Animesh Ranjan as an example of the opportunities available through public service, Linda highlighted the importance of proper guidance, access to suitable study materials and mentorship in competitive examination preparation.

He said rural students could achieve their ambitions if they received the right academic support and direction. The proposed coaching centre and library are intended to help bridge this gap by bringing educational resources closer to students in the area.

The minister also urged the authorities to ensure that the proposed access road to the building remained unobstructed, allowing people to reach the facility conveniently.

During the ceremony, dignitaries paid floral tributes to Baba Kartik Oraon, remembering his contribution to tribal society. Administrative officials assured those present that efforts would be made to maintain construction quality and complete the project within the stipulated timeframe.

Once completed, the Dhumkuria complex is expected to serve as a shared space for cultural learning, educational preparation and community functions, bringing traditional knowledge and modern opportunities together under one roof.