Ranchi: In a significant announcement on the eve of Republic Day, the Union Home Ministry has posthumously conferred the Padma Bhushan award upon Shibu Soren, the revered 'Dishom Guru' and patriarch of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), in the field of public affairs. This recognition comes months after his passing in August last year at the age of 81, due to prolonged age-related illnesses.
A Legacy of Struggle and Leadership
Born on January 11, 1944, in Nemra village of Ramgarh district, Shibu Soren's life was marked by early adversity. He lost his father to murder by moneylenders when he was just 13 years old, an event that ignited his lifelong crusade against the exploitative 'mahajani pratha' (moneylender system). Over the years, he evolved into a formidable champion for tribal rights and the downtrodden, becoming a key figure in the movement for a separate Jharkhand state.
His political career was illustrious, serving as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand three times and representing the Dumka parliamentary constituency eight times, cementing his status as a tribal icon not only in Jharkhand but globally.
Political Reactions and Demands for Higher Honor
However, the JMM, which leads an alliance government in Jharkhand, expressed dissatisfaction with the Padma Bhushan, arguing that Shibu Soren deserved the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award. JMM spokesperson Manoj Pandey stated, "We and scores of tribals across the globe have been demanding Bharat Ratna for Guruji, considering his stature and the unparalleled contribution he made. He was a tribal icon not just in Jharkhand, but also across the globe. He deserved Bharat Ratna, but the Modi government didn't acknowledge our sentiments and demands."
The Congress party, an ally in the state, echoed similar sentiments. State president Keshav Mahto Kamlesh remarked that they hoped the Union government would consider awarding the Bharat Ratna to Shibuji in recognition of his immense legacy.
BJP Hails the Award as a Moment of Pride
In contrast, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) welcomed the Padma Bhushan honor. Former Chief Minister Raghubar Das issued a statement saying, "The pioneer of the Jharkhand movement, Dishom Guru, respected Shri Shibu Soren ji receiving the Padma Bhushan (posthumous) honour is a moment of pride for every Jharkhandi. This honour is not just of an individual, but an honour of Jharkhand's soil, tradition of struggle, and spirit of the people's movement."
This award highlights the enduring impact of Shibu Soren's work, even as political debates continue over the level of recognition befitting his contributions to public affairs and tribal empowerment in India.
