The Vice President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, is set to arrive in Jharkhand on March 28, 2026. This marks a significant “homecoming” for the Vice President, who previously served as the Governor of Jharkhand for nearly one and a half years before assuming his current office.
His itinerary balances a deep respect for India’s tribal heritage with a forward-looking focus on management education and technological innovation.
Paying Tributes at Ulihatu: The Birthplace of Bhagwan Birsa Munda
The visit will begin with a journey to Ulihatu village in the Khunti district. This village is the sacred birthplace of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, the iconic tribal freedom fighter who led the Ulgulan (Great Tumult) against British colonial rule.
- Ancestral Interaction: The Vice President will offer floral tributes at the Birsa Munda memorial and spend time interacting with the direct descendants of the legendary leader.
- Cultural Significance: As a former Governor who traveled to all 24 districts of Jharkhand, Shri Radhakrishnan’s visit reinforces the national recognition of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas (Tribal Pride Day) and the preservation of Munda heritage.
Who Was Bhagwan Birsa Munda?
Bhagwan Birsa Munda was a legendary tribal freedom fighter born on November 15, 1875, in Ulihatu village, Khunti district (now in Jharkhand). He led the famous Ulgulan (Great Tumult) revolt against British colonialism and the oppression of tribal communities. Known as “Dharti Aba” (Father of the Earth) among the tribal people, Birsa Munda is one of India’s most revered freedom fighters. His birthday, November 15, is celebrated as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas (Tribal Pride Day) nationally.
IIM Ranchi 15th Annual Convocation: A Leap into the Future
Later in the day, the Vice President will serve as the Chief Guest for the 15th Annual Convocation of IIM Ranchi. This year’s ceremony is not just a graduation event but a milestone for Indian management education.
Launch of India’s First VR Case Repository
The highlight of the convocation will be the official launch of IIM Ranchi’s Virtual Reality (VR) Case Repository. This is the first-of-its-kind initiative among Indian B-schools.
“Management education is about decision-making in complex environments. This VR approach allows students to visually experience industry scenarios like logistics and supply chain operations in real-time.” — Professor Deepak Kumar Srivastava, Director, IIM Ranchi.
Key Convocation Highlights:
- Total Degrees: 558 students will receive their degrees, including 26 PhD holders.
- Medal Winners: The Vice President will confer medals to seven outstanding students for academic excellence across MBA, MBA-BA, and MBA-HRM programs.
- Special Awards: Presentation of the Student Citizenship Award and the Professor Ashish Hajela Award for overall excellence.
- Dignitaries in Attendance: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Jharkhand Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar, and Chief Minister Hemant Soren.
Why This Visit Matters
For Jharkhand, this visit is a blend of tradition and transformation. By visiting Khunti—the heart of the Munda belt—the Vice President honors the state’s historical identity. Simultaneously, by inaugurating cutting-edge VR technology at IIM Ranchi (ranked #18 in NIRF 2025), he signals India’s commitment to making Jharkhand a hub for high-tech academic excellence.
The Jharkhand Legacy: A Path to National Leadership
A unique highlight of this visit is the recurring connection between Jharkhand’s Raj Bhavan and India’s highest constitutional offices.
- President Droupadi Murmu: Before becoming President, she served as the Governor of Jharkhand (2015–2021). She remains the longest-serving Governor in the state’s history and is fondly remembered for her work with tribal communities.
- Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan: Following a similar trajectory, Shri Radhakrishnan served as the 11th Governor of Jharkhand before his elevation to the Vice Presidency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: When is the Vice President visiting Jharkhand? A: March 28, 2026. The IIM Ranchi convocation session begins at 3:00 PM.
Q: What is the VR Case Repository? A: It is an immersive learning tool where students use VR headsets to “enter” business scenarios (like warehouses or factories) to make better strategic decisions.
Q: What is Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan’s connection to Jharkhand? A: Before becoming Vice President, he served as the 11th Governor of Jharkhand (Feb 2023 – July 2024), during which he famously visited every district in the state.
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