Ranchi: Hul Diwas was solemnly observed across Ranchi on Monday to commemorate the valiant tribal uprising of 1855 led by Sido and Kanhu Murmu. While chief minister Hemant Soren paid floral tributes at Jharkhand Bhavan in New Delhi alongside his wife and Gandey MLA Kalpana, district and police officials in Ranchi honoured the tribal freedom fighters.“Sido-Kanhu were the torch-bearers of resistance against colonial injustice. Their courage gave a new direction to the freedom struggle, long before 1857,” said Hemant in Delhi. “Hul was not just a revolt, it was a call for dignity, land, and identity. Today, we remember them not as martyrs of the past, but as symbols of ongoing justice for tribal communities,” Soren added.In Ranchi, deputy commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri, along with senior superintendent of police Chandan Sinha, paid floral tribute at the Sido-Kanhu statue erected at the Sido-Kanhu Park, Kanke Road.“Hul reminds us that justice and rights must be fought for with courage. Sido-Kanhu and other tribal leaders’ sacrifice continues to inspire us to build an inclusive, equitable society,” said Bhajantri.“Hul was a fight not only for land, but for dignity and rights. The courage Sido-Kanhu showed in mobilising 10,000 Santhals against the British is an inspiration even today. Understanding our roots helps build a more just future,” said Sinha.Members of the adivasi community, many dressed in traditional attire, gathered at the park. “Hul Diwas is sacred to us. Our ancestors stood up against injustice that gives us strength even today,” said Premshahi Munda, a tribal leader.Birhu Tudu, a resident from Kanke, said, “We hope the govt ensures our youth know this history. Hul was Jharkhand’s history, and it should be preserved forever.”As Jharkhand marked the day with solemn remembrance, the legacy of Sido and Kanhu continues to resonate in the voices of those still striving for equality and recognition.
