A heartfelt condolence ceremony was held for Shailesh Kumar, the former president of IPTA Palamu, who passed away unexpectedly. Members of IPTA and the wider cultural community gathered to honor his memory, celebrating his life and considerable achievements. While Kumar’s primary profession was teaching, he also devoted considerable energy to social causes and cultural pursuits. Leading IPTA Palamu, he was instrumental in strengthening its artistic endeavors. He inherited a passion for cultural leadership from his father, Valmiki Singh, who also served as an IPTA president and a school principal, ensuring the continuation of a movement dedicated to progress and solidarity. Kumar, a geography educator, nurtured a significant talent for writing, especially poetry, where he expressed sharp political critiques and profound reflections on life. After his wife’s passing, he retired voluntarily and relocated to Delhi to be with his sons, yet remained closely involved with IPTA Palamu’s initiatives through frequent calls, expressing particular admiration for the cultural school. The secretary of IPTA Palamu, Ravi Shankar, urged attendees to carry forward Kumar’s ideology as a true tribute, followed by a solemn minute of silence. The event saw attendance from various cultural activists and leaders, with many others extending their tributes through digital platforms.
