by Arun Pathak
Bokaro: Renowned classical singer Pt. Rana Jha from Bokaro has recently been recognized for his exceptional contributions to the field of music. He was honoured with the Mithila Vibhuti Samman by Vidyapati Seva Sansthan, Darbhanga, and the Mithila Sangeet Shiromani Samman by Maithili Parishad, Muzaffarpur. Both awards were presented to him during two prominent events: the Mithila Vibhuti festival in Darbhanga and the Vidyapati festival in Muzaffarpur.
The Mithila Vibhuti Samman was conferred upon Pt. Jha during the three-day Mithila Vibhuti festival, while the Mithila Sangeet Shiromani Samman was presented at the Vidyapati festival organized by Maithili Parishad. His outstanding achievements in classical music have earned him admiration and recognition from both the cultural community and fellow musicians.
Musicians from Bokaro have expressed their joy and pride in Pt. Jha’s achievements, congratulating him on his success. Among those who extended their congratulations were Dr. Rakesh Ranjan, Secretary of Bharatiya Sangeet Kala Academy, Dr. Sanjay Kumar Chaudhary, All India Minister of Sanskar Bharti, senior tabla player Pt. Bachchanji Maharaj, Amarji Sinha, President of Sanskar Bharti Bokaro District, Secretary Swaroop Shekhar Pandey, and Music Head Arun Pathak.
A respected figure in the world of classical music, Pt. Jha belongs to the Pachgachiya Gharana of Bihar and is renowned for his melodious voice and deep understanding of classical music. He has performed at various music festivals across India, including those in Bokaro, and has been a regular performer on All India Radio, Ranchi, since 1980. Recently, he was awarded the status of an A-grade artist by Akashvani Delhi.
Pt. Jha has also been honoured by several organizations, including the Surmani Samman from Sur Shringar Sansad in Mumbai. A dedicated educator, he served as a music teacher at the school run by Bokaro Steel Plant for nearly 38 years. Following his retirement from the BSL education department, Pt. Jha has continued to impart his musical knowledge as the head of Dev Sangeet Bal Vidyalaya in New Delhi, where he is nurturing the next generation of musicians.
