New Delhi: Shibu Soren, the venerated tribal patriarch and the man credited with being the force behind the creation of Jharkhand, passed away today at the age of 81. The iconic leader, affectionately known as ‘Dishom Guruji’, breathed his last in a New Delhi hospital following a prolonged battle with kidney-related ailments. His demise marks the closing of a momentous chapter in Indian politics, one that profoundly altered the political and social fabric for tribal communities across the nation.
Soren, born in 1944 in a modest village near Ramgarh, was a son of the soil who rose from the heart of the Santhal Adivasi community. His journey from a grassroots activist to a formidable political figure was driven by an unyielding crusade against the exploitation of tribal land and people. This activism, which began to gain momentum in the 1970s, was the bedrock upon which a powerful movement for tribal rights was built, eventually leading to the formation of a separate state.
The year 1973 was a watershed moment when Soren, alongside others, founded the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM). This political outfit transformed the simmering anger of the tribal populace into a structured, decades-long fight for a homeland. After years of relentless struggle and political maneuvering, their dream was realised in 2000 with the birth of Jharkhand, a state carved out for its indigenous people.
A veteran of both state and national politics, Soren served multiple terms as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand. His political career began in earnest with his first election to the Lok Sabha in 1980. For close to four decades, he was the unwavering president of the JMM, a post he recently handed over to his son, Hemant Soren, while assuming the role of “Founding Patron.”
Soren’s legacy transcends the realm of mere electoral politics. As ‘Dishom Guruji,’ he was a beacon of hope, a powerful symbol of the tribal community’s struggle for dignity, land, and a distinct identity. His leadership was paramount in ensuring that the voices of India’s Adivasi communities were heard in the corridors of power, and their rights were duly reflected in public policy. His influence resonated far and wide, inspiring a new generation of leaders from marginalised sections to place their faith in the democratic process to bring about meaningful change.
The passing of the stalwart leader has elicited a deluge of tributes from all corners of the political spectrum. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a heartfelt post on X, praised Soren as a ‘grassroots leader who rose through the ranks of public life with unwavering dedication to the people’ and noted his particular passion for empowering tribal communities and the poor. Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, in an emotional message, spoke of feeling ‘completely hollow’ at the loss of his father and mentor.
The grief over Soren’s demise was palpable across party lines and institutional boundaries. The Rajya Sabha, in a rare gesture, adjourned its proceedings for the day as a mark of respect for the departed leader. Political figures from rival camps recognised his pivotal role in the Jharkhand movement and his tireless advocacy for social justice. As the state and the nation mourn the loss of a political giant, the enduring legacy of Shibu Soren will live on, etched forever in the hills of Jharkhand, in the resilient spirit of its people, and in the revolutionary movement he spearheaded with unshakeable resolve.
Read More: Morigaon Police Recovers Stolen Rs 93 Lakh in a Cyber-Fraud Bust