Jharkhand to witness historic moment as Shibu Soren receives posthumous Padma Bhushan today

Ranchi: Jharkhand is set to witness a moment of pride on Tuesday as veteran tribal leader and Jharkhand movement icon Shibu Soren is posthumously honoured with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award. Chief Minister Hemant Soren will receive the award on behalf of his father during the investiture ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where President Droupadi Murmu will confer the honour.

The recognition comes in acknowledgement of Shibu Soren’s lifelong contribution to public service, tribal empowerment and his pivotal role in the movement for a separate Jharkhand state. The honour is being seen as a matter of pride not only for his family and the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha but also for the people of Jharkhand.

The Union government had announced the Padma Bhushan for Soren on the eve of Republic Day this year. Prior to the announcement, there had been demands from various quarters for conferring the Bharat Ratna on the veteran leader, and the Jharkhand Assembly had also passed a proposal in this regard.

Widely known as “Dishom Guru” and “Guruji,” Soren emerged as one of the most influential tribal leaders in the region. He led a major movement against the exploitative moneylending system and worked extensively to raise awareness among tribal communities. His campaigns included the Dhankatni movement and anti-liquor initiatives aimed at social reform.

Between 1970 and 1975, Soren ran night schools to help tribal people pursue education after completing their daily work. His emphasis on education and social upliftment earned him the affectionate title of “Guruji.” He often encouraged people to reduce unnecessary spending on ceremonies and invest more in education.

Soren later founded the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and transformed the demand for a separate state into a mass movement. During his political career, he served as Chief Minister of Jharkhand and represented Dumka in the Lok Sabha multiple times. He also held the position of Union Coal Minister.

Shibu Soren passed away on August 4, 2025, at the age of 81 after a prolonged illness. The posthumous Padma Bhushan is being viewed as national recognition of his enduring legacy in shaping Jharkhand’s political and social landscape.