The North News
New Delhi, August 4
Shibu Soren, a towering figure in Jharkhand politics and one of India’s most respected tribal leaders, died on Monday aged 81. Known fondly as “Dishom Guru”, he passed away after a prolonged illness. Soren had been admitted to a hospital in Delhi in late June with a kidney-related ailment. His condition worsened after he suffered a stroke and had been on life support for the past month.
His son and Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren confirmed his death on social media. In a post on X, he wrote in Hindi:
“आदरणीय दिशोम गुरुजी हम सभी को छोड़कर चले गए हैं। आज मैं शून्य हो गया हूँ…”
(“Respected Dishom Guruji has left us all. Today I feel completely empty…”)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the national tributes, describing Soren as a “grassroots leader” with an unwavering commitment to the welfare of tribal communities and the underprivileged. In his condolence message posted on X, Modi said: “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 family and admirers. Spoke to Jharkhand CM Shri Hemant Soren Ji and expressed condolences. Om Shanti,” the Prime Minister added.
