Shibu Soren: Jharkhand’s Tribal Icon and Reluctant Revolutionary Passes Away

Shibu Soren, the veteran tribal leader and founder of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), passed away on Monday morning at 8:56 a.m. at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, following a prolonged illness.

He was 81 years old and had been undergoing treatment for kidney-related complications for over a month before his demise. His death marks the end of an era for Jharkhand’s political and social landscape, where he played a pivotal role in the state’s creation and in championing the cause of tribal communities and the marginalized.

Known affectionately as “Guruji” and revered as “Dishom Guru” among tribal populations, Soren dedicated his life to fighting systemic injustices such as land dispossession, forest exclusion, bonded labor, and social alienation faced by tribal people. Born in 1944 in a humble tribal household in Nemra village, Ramgarh, he rose through grassroots struggles to become a powerful voice advocating for social justice rather than personal power or political ambition.

He co-founded the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha in the early 1970s as a movement asserting tribal identity, rights, and dignity. His relentless activism eventually contributed substantially to the creation of the state of Jharkhand in 2000. Over his long career, Soren served eight terms as a Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) and three terms in the Rajya Sabha, besides serving as Jharkhand’s Chief Minister.

His leadership was marked by both his fiery activism and his complex role in governance, embodying the aspirations and struggles of Jharkhand’s tribal people. The Rajya Sabha observed a moment of silence to honor his memory and was adjourned for the day on Monday as a mark of respect.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, describing Soren as a grassroots leader passionate about empowering tribal communities, the poor, and the downtrodden. Modi spoke to Jharkhand Chief Minister and Soren’s son, Hemant Soren, offering his sympathies to the family.

Shibu Soren’s death triggered tributes across the political spectrum. Many remembered him as Jharkhand’s conscience and a tireless advocate for social justice, whose legacy will endure in the state’s identity and ongoing efforts to improve tribal welfare.

The Monsoon Session of Parliament was notably affected, with the Rajya Sabha adjourning following the tribute to Soren, reflecting the deep respect he commanded among elected representatives.