Remembering Shibu Soren: The ‘Dishom Guru’ and His Impact on Jharkhand

The passing of Shibu Soren, the revered leader and founder of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), marks the end of an era. Affectionately called “Dishom Guru,” Soren dedicated his life to the betterment of Adivasi communities in Jharkhand. His efforts began with the formation of the Santhal Sudhar Samaj and an ashram in Tundi, Dhanbad, where he mobilized tribals against exploitation, sparking a movement for indigenous rights. Soren was born on January 11, 1944, in Nemhra village. The tragic death of his father in the 1960s strengthened his resolve. In 1972, Soren co-founded the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), which later spearheaded the movement for Jharkhand’s statehood. His political career saw him serve as Chief Minister of Jharkhand three times and hold various cabinet positions. Despite his successes, Soren’s career was also marked by periods of controversy, including accusations of inciting violence and legal challenges. He was elected to the Lok Sabha multiple times, but his political career was also punctuated by periods of both success and setbacks, including being temporarily removed from office and facing legal issues.