In the village of Patratu, nestled deep within the heart of Jharkhand, a young boy once sat under a tamarind tree, sack in hand, eager to absorb whatever little knowledge a lone teacher could impart. The classroom had no walls, no blackboard—just open sky, curiosity, and the unshakable belief of a teacher’s son that education was power.
That boy grew up to become Rabindranath Mahato, the Speaker of the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly, a position of power he holds with humility rooted in hard-earned wisdom.
A Childhood of Dusty Roads and Big Dreams
“I started my schooling sitting on the ground under a tree,” Rabindranath recalls with a nostalgic smile. “We carried sacks from home to sit on. A single teacher taught us everything—from the alphabet to arithmetic.”
His early years were marked by struggle. After Class 3, the nearest middle school was 28 kilometers away. Young Rabindranath made the trek on foot, every day, driven by a thirst to learn. His journey took him through Majradi Middle School, then to JBC High School in Jamtara, and finally to SP College in Dumka, where he completed his B.Sc. in Biology. Though he seemed destined to follow in his father’s footsteps as a teacher—and even completed a B.Ed. from Utkal University in Bhubaneswar—his heart pulled him toward something greater.
When Movements Become Missions
The turning point came during his student years. Influenced by Guru Veer Shivsaran, Rabindranath was drawn to the Jharkhand statehood movement. The realization hit hard—people from Chotanagpur and Santhal Pargana had no identity in Bihar or Bengal. “In Bengal, we weren’t considered Bengali. In Bihar, we weren’t quite Bihari,” he said. “We were outsiders in our own homeland.”
That marginalization ignited a lifelong dedication to Jharkhand’s cause.
He joined the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and became an active voice for the tribals and backward classes. From helping establish the Jharkhand Autonomous Council in 1995 to being elected MLA multiple times, Rabindranath’s life became inseparable from the people’s aspirations.
Leadership with a Listener’s Heart
As Speaker of the Jharkhand Assembly, Rabindranath Mahato brings the same values from his childhood—discipline, humility, and a deep sense of justice. “Running the House isn’t about power,” he says. “It’s about balance—ensuring the Opposition and the Ruling Party are heard fairly.”
His tenure is marked by stability and respect, even as political volatility brewed around Jharkhand’s evolving coalitions.
He is, notably, the only person in the state’s history to become Speaker for two consecutive terms. His strength? Listening—really listening.
A Teacher’s Son Who Never Forgot His Lessons
His late father, a strict but fair schoolteacher, continues to guide him. “My father believed no student should be undisciplined. Whenever necessary, he would even call the parents to ensure students stayed on track,” he recalls.
That sense of moral responsibility, instilled early, shaped his politics. “There’s no substitute for values,” he says. “Even if you rise to the top, if you lack ethics, you’ve lost everything.”
Education, Industry, and the Hopes of a Young State
Jharkhand, now 25 years old, is still young—and Rabindranath sees both the progress and the pitfalls.
“Compared to states like Chhattisgarh and Uttarakhand, we’ve lagged in industrial development,” he admits. “Political instability hurt us in the early years.”
But change is brewing. Under Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s leadership, Mahato says the government is pushing for industry-friendly reforms, better law and order, and foreign collaborations to bring investment into the state.
And when it comes to education, he is passionate. “From primary schools to universities, we’re trying to upgrade everything,” he says. Smart classrooms, digital boards, School of Excellence models, scholarships—all are steps toward building a future where children from even the remotest villages can dream big.
“No student should be deprived because they are poor,” he emphasizes. “That’s why we introduced schemes like the ₹15‑lakh student loan with low interest and no rigid payback terms.”
A Defender of Fields and Fair Play
One concern close to his heart is the disappearance of playgrounds—both in villages and cities. “A child without a playground is like a bird without wings,” he says. That’s why the government’s new sports policy aims to ensure every school has space for play. Moreover, Jharkhand is the land of hockey legends, athletes, and raw sporting talent waiting for nurturing.
Rooted in Soil and Soul
Despite holding one of the highest offices in the state, Rabindranath remains deeply grounded. He doesn’t care for exotic hotspots or lavish getaways.
“Give me a walk through the forests of my village, the hills, the ponds, the old trees, and I am at peace,” he says.
His favorite foods? Simple Jharkhandi staples like dal-chawal, aloo-chana curry, dhuska, and the seasonal delight—rugra mushrooms.
A Message for the People of Jharkhand
As Jharkhand enters its 25th year of statehood, Mahato urges its people—especially the youth—to stay patient and hopeful.
“Our ancestors dreamed of a Jharkhand that would stand tall among India’s best states,” he says. “Let’s not lose sight of that dream. With the right policies, unity, and continued struggle, we’ll get there.”
To hear Rabindranath Mahato’s inspiring journey in his own words—from studying under a tree to leading the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly—watch the complete exclusive conversation on Kanke Talks YouTube Channel.
