Dr. Bisheshwar Prasad Keshari was a renowned Indian academic and social activist who dedicated his life to promoting the welfare and development of the people of Jharkhand. Born on July 1, 1933, in Pithoria, Ranchi district, Bihar Province, Dr. B. P. Keshari completed his postgraduate and doctoral studies from Ranchi University.
He began his career as an assistant professor at Daltonganj in 1957, where he started to develop an interest in the Nagpuri language, which was prevalent among the tribal communities of the region. He was astounded by the depth of meaning in the Nagpuri songs that he heard during a family wedding in Pithoria, which inspired him to collect unpublished Nagpuri songs.
In the 1980s, Dr. B. P. Keshari and his close friend Dr. Ram Dayal Munda established the Tribal and Regional language department at Ranchi University, where he later served as a professor and head of department. He became a prominent leader in the movement for a separate state, Jharkhand, and was a member of the "Jharkhand coordinator committee" along with Dr. Ram Dayal Munda and Binod Bihari Mahato in 1989.
The committee was instrumental in coordinating various fractions of the Jharkhand movement and sent a memorandum to form the Jharkhand state in 1988. This resulted in the Central government forming a committee on the Jharkhand matter in 1989, which stressed the need for greater allocation of development funds for the area. The Jharkhand Area Autonomous Council was formed in 1994, which regulated the areas of agriculture, rural health, public work, public health, and minerals.
Dr. B. P. Keshari's passion for promoting the Nagpuri language and culture led him to establish "Nagpuri Sansthan" with his wife Shanti Keshri in Pithoria on February 17, 2002.
He passed away in Ranchi at the age of 83 due to pneumonia. His cremation was performed with state honors in Pithoria and was attended by several leaders and prominent members of society. Dr. B. P. Keshari's contributions to the promotion of tribal languages and culture in Jharkhand will always be remembered, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.