PM Narendra Modi mourns the demise of Shibu Soren; 81-year-old tribal leader passes away at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital
New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the demise of former Jharkhand Chief Minister and veteran tribal leader Shibu Soren. Taking to social media, the Prime Minister described him as a grassroots leader who worked in public life with utmost dedication and commitment.
Shibu Soren, the founding leader of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and three-time Chief Minister of Jharkhand, breathed his last at Delhi’s Sir Ganga Ram Hospital on Monday at the age of 81. He had been battling a severe kidney-related illness for nearly a month and passed away during treatment.
Soren was one of the most influential tribal leaders in Jharkhand and was widely respected across the state, affectionately referred to as “Dishom Guru” by the tribal community. His death is seen as an irreparable loss to both the political landscape of the state and its tribal society.
In a heartfelt post, Prime Minister Modi wrote, “Shibu Soren Ji was a grassroots leader who progressed in public life with unwavering dedication towards the people. He was especially committed to empowering tribal communities, the poor, and the underprivileged. Saddened by his demise. My condolences to his family and admirers.”
The Prime Minister also personally spoke with Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, son of the late leader, and offered his condolences.
“Spoke to Jharkhand CM Shri Hemant Soren Ji and expressed my condolences. Om Shanti,” he added in his message.
This statement underscores the national recognition of Shibu Soren’s political and social contributions and highlights his image as a true people’s leader.
From Personal Tragedy to Public Movement
Shibu Soren’s political journey was deeply rooted in personal tragedy. His father, Sobaran Manjhi, was murdered for opposing exploitative practices by moneylenders who trapped tribal farmers in cycles of debt. These moneylenders often charged extortionate interest — sometimes up to one and a half times the principal — and seized the land of those who failed to repay. In many cases, farmers weren’t even allowed to claim their rightful share of the harvest from their own fields.
Sobaran Manjhi strongly resisted this exploitation and paid the ultimate price. His murder had a profound impact on young Shibu Soren, who chose to fight injustice and eventually launched the Dhan Katni Movement, which went on to become a significant social and political uprising.
A Life Dedicated to Tribal Empowerment
As the father of current Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Shibu Soren was more than a political figure — he was a powerful symbol of tribal pride, rights, and identity. Every step of his public life was aimed at protecting and uplifting the interests of tribal communities.
News of his demise has sent a wave of grief across Jharkhand. The state government has declared official mourning and various tributes and remembrance programs are being held throughout the region.
“Dishom Guru” may have left this world, but his legacy as a tireless champion for tribal rights and justice will continue to inspire generations to come.
