Zeb Akhtar/Ranchi

The forests and hills of Jharkhand’s Palamu division have long symbolised deprivation and neglect. In this rugged landscape lives Sattar Khalifa, better known as Painter Jilani, who has redefined hope and humanity through sheer perseverance.

Jilani’s childhood was marked by hardship. Losing his father at a young age, he assumed family responsibilities early. Despite the odds, he completed his graduation. But his true passion was never academics—it was serving people.

As the name suggests, Jilani is more than a social worker—he is an artist. A painter by profession, he channels his earnings into helping the needy. “Art is my tool, service is my purpose,” he says.

Painter Jilani with local villagers

He is so famous that even during the peak of Naxal and extremist violence, Jilani freely travelled between Bishrampur and Daltonganj, the district headquarters 50 kilometres away. No gunmen ever stopped him.

For the poor, Dalits, Mahadalits, and marginalised communities of Palamu and Garhwa, Jilani is a symbol of assurance. From securing ration cards and pensions to arranging drinking water and hospital aid, he is always there.

To date, he has helped over 500 people obtain ration cards and facilitated the inclusion of an equal number of families in the government pension schemes. Though he continues to live in scarcity, Jilani finds his greatest joy when an elderly or disabled person receives a pension through his efforts.

Painter Jilani speaking to villagers facing water shortage

A few months ago, hundreds of elderly, widows, and disabled persons in the Nagar Parishad area went without pensions for four months. When their appeals fell on deaf ears, they turned to Jilani. He launched an indefinite hunger strike against the denial of a pension to the public. His determination paid off as the government released the pending payments.

Water scarcity is another recurring crisis in Bishrampur every summer. Defunct handpumps and incomplete tanker supplies make life unbearable. Jilani organised protests, oversaw repairs, and ensured tanker deliveries until permanent solutions were implemented.

His activism went further. He even drew and submitted a map to make a point that Bishrampur should be upgraded to a sub-divisional headquarters, to the Chief Minister.

The ration distribution system in Palamu has long been plagued by corruption, with fair-price dealers cheating the poor. Jilani confronted this head-on, organising demonstrations to ensure people received their rightful share. Local dealers now dread Painter Jilani’s scrutiny in case they follow any irregularity or malpractice.

Painter Gilani with a family

He launched a crusade against corruption in the government hospitals, where the staff was extracting fees—sometimes up to ₹4,000 for childbirth. Jilani led protests, exposed the malpractice, and succeeded in ending it.

Today, such exploitation has almost vanished from the hospitals.

Jilani was recently appointed Brand Ambassador of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban). In this role, he raises awareness among those yet to benefit from the scheme. This position is a proud moment for him and for the people of Bishrampur.

During elections, when politicians visit to seek votes, Jilani reminds people that true development begins at the panchayat and ward level. His relentless campaign has led to the repair of handpumps and improved water supply. His influence now stretches beyond Palamu—people from neighbouring Garhwa also seek his help for healthcare and welfare schemes.

Painter Jilani during an awareness campaign

Beyond activism, Jilani is a poet, songwriter, and performer. His songs speak of justice, equality, and transformation. He smiles, saying, “I may not have fancy degrees, but the people’s suffering is my greatest textbook.”

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In regions like Palamu and Bishrampur, where poverty often defines identity, people like Painter Jilani prove that real change doesn’t only come from governments or leaders—it begins with ordinary individuals driven by compassion.