Chaibasa, August 28, 2026: Raksha Bandhan celebrations at the Diliyamarcha Panchayat Secretariat in West Singhbhum took on a broader social message on Friday, as rural women tied Rakhi to Deputy Commissioner Manish Kumar and participants later tied a Rakhi to a tree to highlight the importance of protecting the environment.
When Kumar visited the panchayat secretariat, Anganwadi workers and helpers, members of self-help groups and local women tied Rakhi to his wrist and extended their Raksha Bandhan wishes. Assistant Collector-cum-Trainee IAS officer Ira Jorwal was also present.
Kumar thanked the women and said Raksha Bandhan represents affection, trust, protection and responsibility. He said the festival also encourages people to strengthen the spirit of mutual support and care within society.
Tree plantation followed by environmental pledge
As part of the programme, Kumar, Jorwal, public representatives and local residents planted saplings on the panchayat secretariat premises.
After the plantation, Kumar tied a Rakhi to a tree and took a pledge to protect the environment. He said trees and plants should be treated like members of the family and protected with the same sense of responsibility.
He also stressed that environmental protection is not the responsibility of a single department but a collective responsibility of citizens.
Kumar appealed to residents to plant more trees and ensure that saplings already planted are properly cared for and protected.
He called upon self-help group members, Anganwadi workers and rural women to play an active role in turning environmental protection into a community campaign.
Panchayat secretariat to become public service centre
Following the Raksha Bandhan programme, the Deputy Commissioner inspected the strengthening and improvement work being carried out at the Diliyamarcha Panchayat Secretariat.
He reviewed the progress of the work, the facilities being developed and arrangements intended for public use. Officials were directed to complete the strengthening work with proper quality standards.
Kumar said the panchayat secretariat should be developed as an effective public service centre for villagers. Residents should be able to access information about government schemes, welfare programmes and essential services at the panchayat level without unnecessary difficulty.
He also emphasised that the facility should provide a place where villagers can approach the administration with their problems and requirements and receive assistance in accessing government services.
Raksha Bandhan programme combines community and environmental message
The programme at Diliyamarcha Panchayat Secretariat linked the traditional sentiment of Raksha Bandhan with social responsibility and environmental protection.
While the rural women used the festival to express affection and goodwill towards the Deputy Commissioner, the tree-Rakhi activity conveyed a message about protecting nature.
Deputy head Sikandar Mahali, a junior engineer, block coordinator, Anganwadi workers and helpers, self-help group members and a large number of villagers were present during the programme.
