Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren penned a heartfelt and emotional message on Tuesday, mourning the loss of his father and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) founder Shibu Soren, who passed away at the age of 81 on Monday.
Shibu Soren, affectionately known as ‘Dishom Guru’, was a towering figure in Indian tribal politics and a key architect of the Jharkhand statehood movement. He died at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi after a prolonged illness, leaving behind a legacy of tireless struggle for tribal rights and justice.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Hemant Soren wrote, “I am going through the toughest days of my life. Not only has the shadow of a father been taken from me, but a pillar of Jharkhand’s soul has departed.”
He reflected on his father’s humble beginnings in Nemra village, his early loss of his own father, and his lifelong battle against injustice. Hemant recalled watching Shibu Soren till fields, live among the people, and lead by example—not just in words, but in action.
“In my childhood, when I asked him, ‘Why do people call you Dishom Guru?’ he replied, ‘Because I understood their pain and made their fight my own.’ That title wasn’t given by Parliament; it came from the hearts of the people of Jharkhand,” Hemant noted.
He described ‘Dishom’ as representing society and ‘Guru’ as one who shows the way, adding that his father never feared challenging powerful forces.
“If standing against injustice is a crime, then I will be guilty again and again,” Shibu Soren would say, according to Hemant.
Calling his father’s life a symbol of sacrifice, courage, and grassroots leadership, the Chief Minister vowed to carry forward his legacy.
“The dream you saw is now my promise. I will not let Jharkhand bow down; I will not let your name fade away. Your struggle will not remain incomplete. Baba, now you rest. You have fulfilled your duty. Now we must walk in your footsteps.”
Shibu Soren served as Jharkhand’s Chief Minister three times and was instrumental in the movement that led to the creation of the state in 2000.
His last rites will be held today in Jharkhand, with the state mourning the loss of one of its most revered sons.