Shibu Soren awarded Padma Bhushan posthumously; President Murmu honours JMM founder’s legacy

Former Jharkhand Chief Minister and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) founder Shibu Soren was conferred the Padma Bhushan posthumously at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday. His wife, Rupi Soren, received the honour from President Droupadi Murmu.

In a poignant moment during the ceremony, President Murmu stepped down from the stage to present the award to Rupi Soren, who attended the event in a wheelchair.

Widely known as 'Dishom Guru' and 'Guruji', Shibu Soren is remembered as one of the most influential leaders in Jharkhand’s political and social history. He dedicated his life to championing tribal rights and advocating for issues related to land, forests and local communities, while playing a central role in the movement for a separate Jharkhand state.

Born on January 11, 1944, in Nemra village of present-day Ramgarh district, Soren was deeply influenced by the activism of his father, Sobaran Soren, who fought against exploitative moneylenders and was killed during the struggle.

During the 1970s, Soren led movements across the Santhal Pargana and North Chotanagpur regions against land grabbing, usury and the exploitation of tribal communities. Through the ‘Dhan Katni’ movement, he spearheaded efforts to help tribal farmers reclaim their land.

He also launched night schools in the Tundi region to promote education, awareness and self-reliance among local communities, earning him the popular title of 'Guruji'.

With the formation of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha in 1972, Soren intensified the organised campaign for a separate state. He remained the leading face of the movement for nearly three decades, culminating in the creation of Jharkhand on November 15, 2000 — widely regarded as the defining achievement of his political journey.

Shibu Soren served three terms as Chief Minister of Jharkhand, was elected multiple times to the Lok Sabha from Dumka and also held the position of Union Coal Minister. Despite his long political career, he remained best known as a grassroots leader and a powerful voice for tribal communities.

Known for his direct engagement with people rather than grand speeches, Soren built a loyal support base through village meetings, public outreach and grassroots movements that shaped Jharkhand’s political landscape for decades.