Patna,(BiharTimes): The first biography of the first Musahar chief minister of Bihar was released in Patna on Thursday by former chief minister Jagannath Mishra.Written by noted Urdu journalist, Ashraf Asthanvi, the biography of Jitan Ram Manjhi has been named: “Tooti slate, aadhi pencil se mukhya mantri ki kursi tak: Jitan Ram Manjhi.”

The book was released both in Hindi and Urdu.Speaking on the occasion the author of the book said Manjhi used to listen to lessons being imparted to children by a teacher in his village. One day when the teacher was asking them to recite the learnt lessons, they failed. But, Manjhi who used to hear from distance recited it verbatim. It was after this incident that he received a broken slate and half a pencil to start his studies.

The Preface of the book highlights this happening.The book on the life of 23rd chief minister of Bihar sketches his childhood days, his years in politics and his rise to the post of chief minister. He had to face a lot of hardship as he comes from the poor background. Jagannath Mishra said Manjhi has worked a lot for the betterment of the condition of dalits in Bihar.Quoting from data he said 77 per cent of Mahadalits in the villages of Bihar are still illiterate. A large section of them are unable to get the benefit of the government welfare schemes and it is imperative that such schemes be implemented 
with utmost sincerity for socially inclusive development.Syed Hussain Abbas Naqvi, while introducing the book, said it sums up the struggles of the son of labourer.State education minister Brishen Patel and minority welfare minister Naushad Alam were also present in the function. Manjhi was also supposed to be present but could not turn up due to his engagements in his home town of Gaya.