As the year 2025 draws to a close, Jharkhand reflects on a period marked by significant accomplishments across governance, culture, sports, and development. Celebrating its silver jubilee, the state witnessed a series of events that bolstered its pride and showcased its progress on national and international stages.
Governance, Empowerment & Infrastructure Milestones
A pivotal moment in tribal empowerment came on December 23, when the Hemant Soren cabinet approved the draft of the Jharkhand Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Rules 2025. This long-awaited move aims to empower gram sabhas in scheduled areas as per the 1996 Act.
Marking 25 years of statehood, Jharkhand's journey, though faced with challenges, saw substantial infrastructural growth. Ranchi welcomed two new flyovers, and a state-of-the-art cultural centre, 'Ravindra Bhawan', is nearing completion. The tourism sector received a boost with the launch of India's first mine tourism circuit and jungle safaris in Betla National Park and Netarhat.
In a major recognition of administrative excellence, Jharkhand was awarded 'best performing state' for the free, fair, and peaceful conduct of the 2024 Lok Sabha and assembly elections. Chief Electoral Officer K Ravi Kumar received the award from President Droupadi Murmu on National Voter’s Day.
Further, Gumla and Seraikela districts earned national honours at the Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration in April. The state also ranked among India's top achievers in the Business Reform Action Plan survey, signaling an improved investment climate.
National Accolades in Arts, Culture & Education
Jharkhand's talent shone brightly in 2025. Playback singer Shilpa Rao from Jamshedpur won a National Award for her rendition of 'Chaleya' from the film Jawan, receiving the honour from President Murmu in September.
In literature, Parwati Tirkey from Gumla district bagged the Sahitya Akademi Yuva Purashkar for her Hindi poetry collection 'Phir Ugna'. The octogenarian proponent of Nagpuri folk music, Mahavir Nayak, was conferred the Padma Shri in January for his lifelong contribution, having composed over 500 songs.
Young entrepreneur Ashish from Ranchi received a special mention on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat' in September for promoting tribal weaving globally through his brand, Johargram. His designs have been worn by notable figures like M.S. Dhoni and CM Hemant Soren.
The education field saw exceptional results: Shaurya Pratap Shahdeo from Ranchi became the state topper in CLAT (AIR 22). Shambhavee Jaiswal of Jamshedpur topped the ICSE board exams nationally with 100% marks. Kanika Anabh of Ranchi secured AIR 1 in the 2024 Indian Forest Service examination.
Sports, Health & Global Recognitions
Jharkhand emerged as a sporting hub, hosting the 4th SAAF Senior Athletics Championships in October with over 250 athletes from six nations. December saw an India vs South Africa ODI at the JSCA stadium and the Hero Hockey India League in Ranchi.
The state cricket team, led by Ishan Kishan, created history by winning the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for the first time, defeating Haryana by 69 runs. In hockey, the men's sub-junior team won a silver at the national championship, while ace player Salima Tete became the first woman from Jharkhand to receive the Arjuna Award.
In para sports, swimmer Harilal Tudu from Deoghar clinched gold in the 50m backstroke at the national para swimming championship.
Ranchi Sadar Hospital earned five national and four state awards, including recognition from the National Health Mission for excellence in surgeries, disease screening, and services under the Swasth Nari Shashakt Parivar Abhiyan.
On the global stage, Udhwa Bird Sanctuary in Sahibganj was enlisted as a Ramsar site in February 2025. Ranchi-based professional Ganesh Reddy was elected Secretary of the UN Global Compact Network India's governing council for 2025-27. The state's Palash women empowerment initiative was included in the curriculum of the Asian Development Bank Institute.
Other key achievements included Jamshedpur ranking third in cleanliness for mid-sized cities, three women cluster federations winning national awards, and teacher Shweta Sharma from Deoghar receiving the National Teachers’ Award for innovative methods. The Maiya Samman Yojana, now offering a ₹2,500 monthly stipend, benefited over 56 lakh women, fostering economic self-reliance.
