A journalist turned cultural crusader Krishnakant Ojha is dedicated to restore the pristine glory of the ancient city, Chirand, 12 kms from Chhapra in Bihar
Sanjeev Kumar
Chirand is a historic place near Chapra City of Bihar where the ruins of a highly developed ancient city existing from neo-Stone age to the Medieval period have been found. It is significant part of Ramayana Circuit. The historic city is situated at the confluence of Ganga, Sarayu and Son Rivers in South-East, hardly 12 kms from Chapra. Despite being the site of highly rich cultural heritage, it has been among the most neglected cultural and historical sites in the State. This is a fact that some Left leaning historians have tried their best to ensure that the information about the places associated with the rich cultural heritage of Bharat does not come out. But Krishnakant Ojha, a former journalist, is working tirelessly to ensure that the glory of Chirand is restored.
Noted historian Hunter came to know about the antiquity of Chirand in 1871 because British historian Carlyle had indicated about the ruins of an ancient city there. But the excavation process could begin in 1954 only when noted Archeologist of Patna Dr Altekar visited Chirand. The Archeological Department inspected the site and started excavation work in 1962-63, which continued till 1970. The excavation provided ample evidences of a developed city there. Unfortunately, many of those evidences were destroyed during the floods of 1975. After that nobody tried to educate the people about the glory of this place until Krishnakant Ojha went to Chapra as Bureau Chief of Dainik Jagran newspaper.
In order to apprise the people of this place he formed Chirand Vikas Parishad. Senior Sangh Pracharak Shri Swant Ranjan visited this place in 2009 and stressed on propagating the historicity of this place. Soon after that Chirand Chetna Mahotsava and Ganga Garima Raksha Sankalp Samaroh were started. Exhibitions were held in
various colleges and schools to apprise the students of the significance of Chirand. Since then various activities are being regularly organised. He is now dedicated to this cause by quitting his job. n
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