Ranchi: As Nagpuri folk artist Jeevan Ram sang, “Dhyan debe dada, dhyan debe, apnar bhaike naukri nai khabe” (”Pay attention, brother; don’t let anyone take away your brother’s job”), the beat of the mandar, a traditional drum, rippled through Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium here.Students and supporters rose to join him, clapping, dancing and chanting slogans demanding fair and transparent recruitment examinations in Jharkhand.For the past 10 days, Jeevan and a 10-member troupe of folk artistes from across the state have performed at the protest venue daily, lending a cultural cadence to the agitation. The sound of drums and flutes, accompanied by songs and dances, begins in the morning and continues until late at night, lifting the spirits of students camping at the stadium.The protest against alleged irregularities in a Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) examination entered its 16th day on Sunday. “The students have been fighting for a just cause for more than two weeks. We are here to support them and keep their morale high through our songs and dances so that they can continue their struggle,” Jeevan said.Troupe member Rita Devi said the artistes had joined the agitation not merely as performers, but also as concerned citizens.“We, too, have children and worry about their future. That is why we joined the protest — to raise our voices against the alleged irregularities in the examination,” she said.The stadium has emerged as a daily gathering place, drawing hundreds of residents, including many with no direct connection to the recruitment exam. Folk performances, patriotic songs and poetry recitals have added colour and energy to the protest, helping it draw a wider audience.Actor, singer and poet Piyush Mishra’s appearance swelled Sunday’s crowd, attracting admirers of his work as well as supporters of the students’ demands.Prem Kumar, a Ranchi student, said he visited the protest venue for the first time after learning that Mishra would be there.“I am a fan of his poetry and often listen to him on YouTube. When he is in Ranchi, how could I miss the opportunity to see him?” Prem said. “I also support the students’ cause because I aspire to take the JPSC examination in the future.”
