"Prime Minister Modi Pays Tributes: Community Led by Shibu Soren Mourned as Underprivileged"
Shibu Soren, a towering figure in Indian politics and a champion for the rights of the tribal communities, passed away today at the age of 81. The former Jharkhand Chief Minister and long-standing Member of Parliament (MP) left an indelible mark on the political landscape of the country, particularly in the state of Jharkhand.
NCP MP Supriya Sule and President Droupadi Murmu extended their condolences to Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren and his family, calling Soren's demise a significant loss in the space of social justice. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the tributes, referring to Soren as a "grassroots leader" who dedicated his life to empowering tribal communities.
Born in the Ramgarh district (which was then part of Bihar) in 1944, Soren belonged to the Santhal community. He co-founded the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) in 1972 with the goal of securing justice, land rights, and a separate state for tribal people. His political career spanned over five decades, marked by key roles such as multiple terms as an MP (both in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha), Chief Minister of Jharkhand three times, and serving as Union Minister for Coal.
Soren's tenures as Chief Minister were brief but significant. He served in this role from 2005, then again from August 2008 to January 2009, and finally from December 2009 to May 2010. Despite the short durations, he remained a significant political figure in strengthening Jharkhand's identity.
Soren's political career was not without challenges. In 2006, he was convicted in a kidnapping-murder case from 1994 but was later acquitted by the Delhi High Court. He also survived a bomb attack in Dumka in 2007. In a rare political event in India, Soren lost a notable by-election in 2009 as sitting Chief Minister.
Despite these setbacks, Soren continued to be a strategic political player, shifting his support between the Congress and BJP depending on the circumstances. He served as a Rajya Sabha MP from June 2020 until his death in 2025.
Soren's emphasis on the welfare of the people, especially the tribal communities, will always be remembered. He was known for championing the cause of tribal identity and the formation of the state of Jharkhand. His leadership and commitment to social justice earned him the title "Dishom Guru," a guide and leader of the tribal community.
Soren leaves behind a political legacy that is carried on by his son Hemant Soren, who continues to lead JMM and serve as Jharkhand Chief Minister. He was married to Roopi Kisku and had four children - Durga Soren, Hemant Soren, Basant Soren, and Anjali Soren.
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren paid tribute to his father, recalling his contributions as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand, as a Union Minister, and as a Member of Parliament. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also remembered Soren for his fight for the tribal community. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) acknowledged Soren's legacy as a founder of JMM and a "lifelong champion of tribal rights."
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar praised Soren as a "seasoned political leader" whose life was marked by "struggle, courage, and commitment." BJP MP Ravi Kishan referred to Soren as "Dishom Guru" and offered condolences.
According to the Sri Ganga Ram Hospital, Soren was suffering from a kidney ailment and was on life support for the past month. He was undergoing treatment at the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi for over a month for kidney-related problems before his passing.
Soren's death marks the end of an era in Indian politics. His contributions to the welfare of the tribal communities and his unwavering commitment to social justice will continue to be remembered and celebrated.
- Migration and settlement patterns within India were significantly influenced by Shibu Soren's advocacy for a separate state for tribal people in his political movements.
 - Education and self-development were key focuses for Shibu Soren, who co-founded Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) with the goal of securing land rights and justice for tribal people.
 - Personal growth opportunities for tribal communities expanded due to Shibu Soren's relentless pursuit of social justice and land rights.
 - Mindfulness towards the needs and aspirations of marginalized communities, such as those championed by Shibu Soren, can lead to increased empathy and inclusion in society.
 - The complexities of war and conflicts, particularly on a regional level like Jharkhand, were navigated by Shibu Soren's strategic political maneuvers.
 - Productivity within the government sector improved under Soren's tenure as a Union Minister for Coal, as he oversaw the country's coal sector and generated revenue for the nation.
 - Career development was a result of the opportunities created by Shibu Soren's political career, which served as an example for young politicians to follow.
 - Policy and legislation affecting the rights of tribal communities were shaped based on Soren's perspectives, as he fought tirelessly for the interests of his people.
 - Car accidents, bomb attacks, and even political setbacks did not deter Shibu Soren from pursuing his mission to empower the marginalized communities in India.
 - Politics underwent significant changes in Jharkhand thanks to Shibu Soren's efforts to strengthen the region's identity.
 - Online education is an increasingly important tool for future generations to access knowledge and opportunities for personal growth; Soren's legacy promotes this continued learning.
 - The job market for tribal communities in India expanded due to Soren's efforts at securing land rights, which in turn encouraged entrepreneurship and professional opportunities.
 - General news outlets constantly reported on Shibu Soren's political life, with every achievement, controversy, and setback capturing the attention of the public.
 - Crime and justice issues were topics of discussion during Shibu Soren's political career, as he advocated for tribal rights in the wake of alleged kidnapping-murder cases and other crimes.
 - Fires in the Ramgarh district and other parts of Jharkhand received attention and relief efforts due to Soren's advocacy for tribal communities.
 - Learning from Soren's life, goals, and leadership skills instills a strong sense of determination and resilience, inspiring future generations.
 - Goal-setting based on long-term vision, as demonstrated by Soren's commitment to forming the state of Jharkhand, can lead to significant changes in society.
 - Lifelong learning is essential to keep growing and progressing, following the example set by Shibu Soren who remained committed to social justice throughout his life.
 - Skills training and capacity building programs can benefit from Shibu Soren's emphasis on empowering tribal communities with the necessary tools for self-sufficiency.
 - Sports, at both professional and recreational levels, offer opportunities for personal growth, teamwork, and community building – illustrated by Soren's political career.
 - Football, basketball, baseball, hockey, golf, tennis, mixed martial arts, and various European leagues carried on despite the passing of Shibu Soren, with fans continuing to support their teams and athletes.
 - Sports analysis reflects the passion and dedication Soren brought to the political arena, as players strive for excellence on the field.
 - Weather forecasting and monitoring, a crucial service for preparing and responding to natural disasters, is essential for the safety and well-being of society – similar to Soren's efforts to protect the vulnerable.
 - Auto racing provided an outlet for thrill-seekers, with Soren 's political career serving as a reminder of the need for cautiousness, strategic planning, and agility amidst life's challenges.
 - Horse racing and other races, like the American football, Masters, Grand Prix, Grand National, or WNBA championships, continue to be popular events that bring together people from various backgrounds, embodying the unity and cooperation in Soren's political realm.