Sanatan, Sarna have co-existed for centuries: CM Raghubar Das

RANCHI/JAMSHEDPUR: Chief minister Raghubar Das on Sunday equated Sarna (tribal) and Sanatan (Hindu) religion as one amid the growing demand for inclusion of sarna code as a separate religion, after the government introduced the religious freedom bill.
While participating in the celebrations organized by Kudukh community on the eve of Karma festival in Anandpur block of West Singhbhum, the CM added that both the religions were complimented each other.
"Since early civilization, both Sarna and Sanatan have co-existed. The rituals of worshipping there is a congruity to the culture and tradition of both the streams," Das said and cautioned the people to ensure that there should not be any external aggression on the culture and tradition of these communities that they have inherited from their forefathers. "Youngsters should understand the lurking threat on their culture and be able to protect their own," he said.
Das enumerated the tribal heroes Birsa Munda and Kartik Oraon and said the government was committed to developing "Akhra" in every tribal village in the next financial year. "Akhra is the cultural hub for tribal people where they can organize their socio-religious functions without interference," he said.
He announced to develop Chaibasa at par with the facilities of the state capital Ranchi, in the next two years. Reiterating, that his government is making sincere effort in lifting the state from the clutches of poverty and under development Das said the focus of the government is not merely on economic development rather it wants to improve the happiness index of the 3.25 crore residents of the state.