New Delhi: The nation bid farewell to one of its most influential tribal leaders, Shibu Soren, who passed away at the age of 81 in a Delhi hospital after battling a prolonged illness. Widely known as “Guruji” or “Dishom Guru” in Jharkhand, the veteran politician leaves behind a legacy rooted in grassroots activism, tribal empowerment, and an unrelenting fight for justice.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed heartfelt condolences, calling Shibu Soren a “grassroots leader” who worked tirelessly for the upliftment of tribal communities, the poor, and the underprivileged. “Pained by his passing away. My thoughts are with his family and admirers,” PM Modi said in a post on X, also noting that he had spoken with Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren to offer his sympathies.
Hemant Soren, Shibu Soren’s son and the current CM, announced the demise with an emotional note: “Respected Guru Dishom has left us all. Today, I have become empty…” Shibu Soren had been admitted for over a month at Delhi’s Sir Ganga Ram Hospital due to kidney-related complications and had also suffered a stroke. He remained on life support for the last month under the care of a team led by Dr A.K. Bhalla, Chairman of Nephrology.
Born on January 11, 1944, in Nemra village (now in Jharkhand), Shibu Soren belonged to the Santhal tribal community. His journey into activism began early—at just 18, he founded the Santhal Navyuvak Sangh, an organisation focused on tribal rights and land issues. His most defining contribution came in 1972, when he co-founded the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) alongside A.K. Roy and Binod Bihari Mahato, becoming a central figure in the movement that eventually led to the formation of Jharkhand state in 2000.
Shibu Soren served three brief terms as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand—in 2005, 2008–2009, and 2009–2010—each marked by intense political turbulence. Despite the instability, his influence never waned. Over his four-decade-long political career, he was elected to the Lok Sabha eight times and served two terms in the Rajya Sabha, with the second term ongoing at the time of his death.
Revered by his followers for his unwavering dedication to tribal issues and social justice, Shibu Soren’s life was a testament to resilience, political grit, and grassroots leadership. His demise marks the end of an era in Jharkhand politics and a deep loss for India’s tribal communities.
