Born in the remote village of Deewri in Tamar, located about sixty kilometers from the capital city of Ranchi, Dr Ramdayal Munda powerfully articulated the aspirations of indigenous communities across India and around the world. Emerging from humble rural beginnings, he crossed international borders to serve as a university professor in the United States, later returning home to become the vice-chancellor of Ranchi University, a member of the Rajya Sabha, and India's representative at the United Nations. His personal journey, which includes his first marriage during his time abroad and a second marriage after returning to his homeland, has remained a subject of immense public interest alongside his vital contributions to tribal welfare and his recognition with the prestigious Padma Shri.
Academic Pursuits in America and First Marriage
Ramdayal Munda traveled to the United States to pursue advanced higher education, academic research, and scholarly studies. He spent approximately eighteen years living abroad, where he engaged in rigorous research and worked as a professor educating students. During this extensive academic tenure, he crossed paths with a woman named Hazel Anne Lutz. Over time, their bond deepened significantly, leading them to decide on a life together. On December 14, 1972, Ramdayal Munda and Hazel Anne Lutz were formally wed in a marriage ceremony.
Return to India and Separation
In the year 1982, Ramdayal Munda concluded his time in America and returned permanently to Ranchi in Jharkhand. However, as they settled into life in India, gradual strains began to develop in the marital relationship between Ramdayal Munda and Hazel Anne Lutz. After some time, the pressures proved insurmountable, leading to the dissolution of their marriage through a legal divorce. Following this chapter, Ramdayal Munda chose to rebuild his personal life locally within Jharkhand through a second marriage.
On June 28, 1988, Ramdayal Munda entered into his second marriage with Amita Munda. Following their union, the couple welcomed a son named Gunjal Ikir Munda. Later in life, he faced severe health challenges, battling cancer for nearly a year before passing away on September 30, 2011, at the Apollo Hospital in Ranchi. In recognition of his monumental contributions to the arts and cultural preservation, he was honored with the Padma Shri by the nation in 2010.
Family Legacy and Enduring Bonds
Today, his surviving family members include his wife Amita Munda, their son Gunjal Ikir Munda, a daughter-in-law, and a granddaughter, all of whom reside together in Ranchi. Despite the passage of time and the dissolution of the early marriage, Hazel Anne Lutz maintains a deeply affectionate and special connection with the family. Reflecting on this unique dynamic, Ramdayal Munda's son Gunjal Ikir Munda shared in an interview that he affectionately refers to Hazel Anne Lutz as his Badi Maa, highlighting the enduring warmth that transcends international borders.
