Former Jharkhand CM Shibu Soren Passes Away at 81, Leaves Behind a Legacy of Tribal Empowerment
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Shibu Soren , a key figure in Indian politics and former Chief Minister of Jharkhand, breathed his last on Thursday at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi. He was 81 and had been unwell for several months due to kidney-related complications. His condition worsened in the past few days, and he had been on ventilator support.
Often called ‘Dishom Guruji’ by his followers, Shibu Soren was not just a politician but a movement in himself. His passing marks the end of an era for Jharkhand, especially for the tribal communities whose voices he helped amplify on the national stage.
Soren was one of the founding members of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and played a crucial role in the fight for a separate state of Jharkhand. His leadership was instrumental in carving out Jharkhand from Bihar in 2000. He became Chief Minister of the new state three times and was respected as a powerful tribal leader.
Soren was admired for his grassroots activism and commitment to tribal welfare, land rights, and cultural identity. Under his guidance, JMM spread awareness in tribal regions and demanded political representation and dignity for indigenous communities.
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, son of Shibu Soren, was by his father’s side in Delhi at the time of his death. In an emotional post on X (formerly Twitter), Hemant wrote:
As the news of Shibu Soren’s demise spread, a wave of sorrow swept across Jharkhand. Political leaders from all parties, social organizations, and ordinary citizens paid tribute to the man who fought for the identity and rights of Jharkhand’s people.
Shops and offices remained closed in many towns as a mark of respect. Local communities organized remembrance events, and many referred to his death as the end of a political era in the state.
Though Shibu Soren is no longer physically present, his contributions to Jharkhand’s formation and development will never be forgotten. His legacy continues through his son Hemant and the work of JMM, which still champions the causes he held dear.
His efforts led to improved tribal representation in politics, increased awareness about indigenous issues, and a separate state that stands as a symbol of self-determination.
National leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu, expressed condolences and acknowledged Shibu Soren’s role in Indian democracy. Opposition leaders too remembered him as a symbol of tribal pride and a voice for the marginalized.
Often called ‘Dishom Guruji’ by his followers, Shibu Soren was not just a politician but a movement in himself. His passing marks the end of an era for Jharkhand, especially for the tribal communities whose voices he helped amplify on the national stage.
A Lifetime Dedicated to Tribal Rights
Soren was one of the founding members of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and played a crucial role in the fight for a separate state of Jharkhand. His leadership was instrumental in carving out Jharkhand from Bihar in 2000. He became Chief Minister of the new state three times and was respected as a powerful tribal leader.Soren was admired for his grassroots activism and commitment to tribal welfare, land rights, and cultural identity. Under his guidance, JMM spread awareness in tribal regions and demanded political representation and dignity for indigenous communities.
Hemant Soren ’s Emotional Tribute
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, son of Shibu Soren, was by his father’s side in Delhi at the time of his death. In an emotional post on X (formerly Twitter), Hemant wrote:“Adarniya Dishom Guruji has left us all. Today, I feel completely empty…”Hemant’s words reflect not just personal grief but the sorrow of thousands of followers across Jharkhand who considered Shibu Soren more than just a leader.
A State in Mourning
As the news of Shibu Soren’s demise spread, a wave of sorrow swept across Jharkhand. Political leaders from all parties, social organizations, and ordinary citizens paid tribute to the man who fought for the identity and rights of Jharkhand’s people. Shops and offices remained closed in many towns as a mark of respect. Local communities organized remembrance events, and many referred to his death as the end of a political era in the state.
Legacy That Lives On
Though Shibu Soren is no longer physically present, his contributions to Jharkhand’s formation and development will never be forgotten. His legacy continues through his son Hemant and the work of JMM, which still champions the causes he held dear. His efforts led to improved tribal representation in politics, increased awareness about indigenous issues, and a separate state that stands as a symbol of self-determination.
Nation Pays Tribute
National leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu, expressed condolences and acknowledged Shibu Soren’s role in Indian democracy. Opposition leaders too remembered him as a symbol of tribal pride and a voice for the marginalized.Next Story