Synopsis:
Tribal Icon Shibu Soren dies at 81, marking the end of an era in Jharkhand politics. Founder of JMM and voice of Adivasis, his contributions will be remembered.
Qalam Times News Network
Tribal Icon Shibu Soren, the founding leader of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and three-time Chief Minister of Jharkhand, passed away on Monday, August 4, at the age of 81. His death marks the end of a pivotal chapter in tribal and regional politics. Known affectionately as “Dishom Guruji,” Soren had been undergoing treatment at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi for over a month due to kidney-related complications. According to hospital authorities, he had been on life support for several weeks and was declared dead at 8:56 AM.
The tribal icon, whose political journey spanned more than four decades, co-founded the JMM in 1972 along with leftist unionist A.K. Roy and Kurmi leader Binod Bihari Mahato. The trio gave shape to the Jharkhand statehood movement, which culminated in the formation of the state in 2000. Soren’s voice echoed the struggles, aspirations, and rights of India’s Adivasi population, not just within Jharkhand but on national and global stages as well.
A Legacy Rooted in Struggle
Born on January 11, 1944, in Nemra village of Hazaribagh district (now in Ramgarh), Shibu Soren emerged from humble beginnings. His grassroots activism earned him mass respect among tribal communities long before his electoral success. He served as a Member of Parliament eight times—seven terms in the Lok Sabha and one in the Rajya Sabha—and held the position of Union Coal Minister in the UPA government.
Within Jharkhand, he served as Chief Minister three times, shaping the state’s early years post-formation. His first brief term in 2005 was followed by later stints, each marked by intense political negotiation and tribal-centric governance.
A Political Void, A Personal Loss
Current Jharkhand Chief Minister and his son, Hemant Soren, confirmed the news of his passing on social media platform X, stating, “With profound grief, I inform you that my father, respected Guruji, is no more. Jharkhand has lost its soul.”
JMM spokesperson Manoj Pandey called it “the end of an era,” adding, “He was not just our leader—he was our identity. He gave the people of Jharkhand the courage to fight and the strength to dream.”
Condolences poured in from across party lines. BJP leader Giriraj Singh wrote, “Shibu Soren was not only a political stalwart but a guardian of tribal identity and social justice. His life will always symbolize the fight for dignity and rights.”
Remembering the Tribal Icon
Soren leaves behind his wife, Roopi Soren, three sons—including Hemant—and a daughter. His political legacy, steeped in grassroots mobilization and relentless advocacy for tribal rights, is unparalleled in modern Indian politics. His death leaves a void not just in Jharkhand but across India’s socio-political landscape.
As the nation mourns the passing of tribal icon Shibu Soren, his legacy will continue to inspire generations seeking justice, identity, and empowerment.
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