Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Tuesday paid an emotional tribute to his father and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) patriarch Shibu Soren, who passed away on Monday at the age of 81 in Delhi. Popularly known as 'Dishom Guruji', the legendary tribal leader had been undergoing treatment for kidney complications at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital and had been on life support for nearly a month following a stroke.
In a heartfelt message, Hemant Soren described the loss as the most difficult phase of his life, saying, “Not only has the shadow of a father been taken from me, a pillar of Jharkhand’s soul has departed.”
Holding back tears, the Chief Minister recalled his father not just as a parent but as a guiding light and a symbol of strength for the tribal people of Jharkhand. “I didn’t just call him ‘Baba.’ He was my guide, the root of my thoughts, and that forest-like shade that protected thousands and lakhs of Jharkhandis from the scorching sun and injustice,” Hemant said.
Tracing Shibu Soren’s life journey, Hemant remembered his father’s humble origins in Nemra village of Ramgarh district (then Bihar). “My Baba's beginnings were very humble. Born in a small house, there was poverty, hunger, but there was courage. The murder of his father during his childhood by moneylenders lit a fire in him that never died — it made him a fighter for life,” Hemant recounted.
Shibu Soren, a key figure in India’s tribal politics, co-founded the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha in 1972 along with A.K. Roy and Binod Bihari Mahato. His activism laid the foundation for the creation of Jharkhand state in 2000. Over the years, he served multiple terms as Chief Minister and was a Union Cabinet minister. For over five decades, he remained the most prominent tribal voice in Indian politics.
Hemant Soren vowed to carry forward his father's legacy, saying, “I will put my feet in his shoes to fight injustice. I promise not to let Jharkhand bow. I will continue to serve the oppressed and the poor as my father dreamed.”
The mortal remains of Shibu Soren were flown to Ranchi from Delhi on Monday evening in a special aircraft. Accompanying the body were CM Hemant Soren, his wife Kalpana Soren — also a legislator, and brother Basant Soren, who is also an MLA.
People from across political and social spectrums visited the Soren residence in Ranchi to offer their last respects. Emotional scenes unfolded as supporters and admirers chanted slogans and lit candles in memory of the man who fought relentlessly for tribal rights.
As a mark of respect, the Jharkhand government announced a three-day state mourning beginning August 4. Most schools and government offices remained closed on Tuesday, and special prayer meetings were held across educational institutions for the departed soul.
