KUMUD PATEL RETURNS AFTER A 21 DAY HUNGER STRIKE

KUMUD PATEL RETURNS AFTER A 21 DAY HUNGER STRIKE

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RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA---------------------------Following a historic 21-day hunger strike, movement leader Kumud Patel received a grand welcome and felicitation from students, researchers, and activists upon his arrival in the Shahabad region and at Veer Kunwar Singh University today.

Immense enthusiasm was evident among students and supporters regarding Kumud Patel's arrival in Ara. Students welcomed him with garlands at Koilwar, the gateway to the district. Subsequently, he was welcomed by supporters and students near Dharhara Mor.

The welcoming procession continued to the bus stand, where a spirited and grand reception—complete with traditional drums and music—was accorded to Kumud Patel under the leadership of Bikku Singh Pradhan. Afterward, he paid tribute by garlanding the statue of Bharat Ratna Baba Saheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar near the Collectorate.

Tributes were then paid by garlanding the statues of Jannayak Jagdeo Prasad and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Following this, the participating students and supporters arrived at Veer Kunwar Singh University, where they respectfully paid homage to the great freedom fighter Babu Veer Kunwar Singh by garlanding his statue.

Subsequently, a felicitation and welcome gathering was organized on the university campus. Students and activists celebrated the movement's historic victory in unison and extended a warm welcome to Kumud Patel. During the event, he was hailed as the 'Sonam Wangchuk' of Bihar, and his struggle, sacrifice, and unwavering resolve were highly praised.

Addressing the gathering, Kumud Patel said, "Whenever Bihar has needed a revolution, the spark has originated from the soil of Shahabad. This struggle is not merely that of an individual; it is a fight for the rights and dignity of students, researchers, and the youth. Our unity and struggle have proven that a strong voice raised democratically cannot be ignored." He expressed gratitude to all the students, researchers, teachers, social activists, and supporters who contributed—directly or indirectly—to the movement.

A large number of students, activists, and supporters were present on the occasion, including Rajkumar Paswan, Bhim Yadav, Bikku Singh Pradhan, Dr. Vibha Rani, Shobha Kumari, Vandana Kumari, Md. Asif Ali, Swami Nath, Rajnish Yadav, Chandan Tiwari, Krishna Tiwari, Monu Rai, Chhote Yadav, Ratnesh Kumar, Nitesh Patel, Md. Saif, and Sunil Patel.

Those present at the gathering pledged to maintain solidarity in their struggle and to vigorously continue the fight for the rights of students and researchers.