President Droupadi Murmu took to X to express her condolences on the demise of Shibu Soren, the former Jharkhand Chief Minister and a towering figure in tribal politics.
She described his death as a ‘big loss in the space of social justice’, highlighting his lifelong dedication to tribal identity and the formation of Jharkhand as a separate state.
“The demise of Shri Shibu Soren Ji is a big loss in the space of social justice. He championed the cause of tribal identity and formation of the state of Jharkhand. Besides his work at the grassroots, he also contributed as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand, as a Union Minister and as a Member of Parliament. His emphasis on the welfare of the people, especially the tribal communities, will always be remembered. I extend my deepest condolences to his son and Chief Minister of Jharkhand Shri Hemant Soren Ji, other family members and admirers,” President Murmu wrote.
The demise of Shri Shibu Soren Ji is a big loss in the space of social justice. He championed the cause of tribal identity and formation of the state of Jharkhand. Besides his work at the grassroots, he also contributed as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand, as a Union Minister and…
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 4, 2025
Extending her deepest condolences to Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren and the bereaved family, President Murmu recalled his emphasis on the welfare of tribal communities as a legacy that would ‘always be remembered’.
Born on January 11, 1944, in Nemra village, then part of Bihar (now Jharkhand), Soren hailed from the Santal tribal community.
Revered as ‘Guruji’ or ‘Dishom Guru’ by his followers, he became the face of the tribal rights movement and played a decisive role in carving out Jharkhand as a separate state in 2000.
Soren served as Chief Minister of Jharkhand three times, first in 2005, then in 2008- 2009, and again in 2009-2010.
Political instability often marked his terms, but his commitment to tribal empowerment and grassroots governance earned him deep respect.
National Leaders Pay Homage
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grief over Soren’s passing, describing him as a ‘grassroots leader’ who dedicated his life to the upliftment of the marginalised.
“Shri Shibu Soren Ji was a grassroots leader who rose through the ranks of public life with unwavering dedication to the people. He was particularly passionate about empowering tribal communities, the poor and downtrodden,” PM Modi said in his condolence message on X.
He added, “Pained by his passing away. My thoughts are with his family and admirers. Spoke to Jharkhand CM Shri Hemant Soren Ji and expressed condolences. Om Shanti.”
Shri Shibu Soren Ji was a grassroots leader who rose through the ranks of public life with unwavering dedication to the people. He was particularly passionate about empowering tribal communities, the poor and downtrodden. Pained by his passing away. My thoughts are with his…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 4, 2025
Soren’s passing at the age of 81 in New Delhi’s Ganga Ram Hospital after a prolonged illness marks the end of an era in Jharkhand politics.
His lifelong efforts to secure tribal rights and his role in the statehood movement have left an indelible mark on India’s socio-political landscape.
His legacy as a champion of social justice and tribal identity will inspire future generations in Jharkhand and beyond.
Also Read: Shibu Soren, JMM Founder & Former Jharkhand CM, Passes Away At 81; PM Modi Expresses Grief
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