Ranchi: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Tuesday paid an emotional tribute to his father and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) founder Shibu Soren on his first death anniversary, unveiling a 14-foot statue of the veteran tribal leader at his ancestral village, Nemra, in Ramgarh district.
Thousands of people gathered at the village to honour the memory of the leader fondly known as “Dishom Guru,” whose decades-long struggle played a defining role in the creation of Jharkhand.
During the commemorative programme, the Chief Minister also inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for development projects worth Rs 102.5 crore.
Addressing the gathering, an emotional Hemant Soren said the day marked an irreplaceable loss not only for his family but for the entire state. He described Shibu Soren as a leader who dedicated his life to protecting the rights, identity and dignity of tribal communities while leading the fight to safeguard “jal, jungle and zameen” (water, forests and land).
He said the late leader’s lifelong struggle and ideals would continue to inspire future generations and that the newly installed statue would help young people understand Jharkhand’s history and the sacrifices made during the movement for justice and identity.
The Chief Minister urged the youth to learn about the hardships faced by the people of the region even after Independence and the efforts of those who fought against exploitation. Remembering the past, he said, was essential to building a stronger future.
Reflecting on his family’s history, Hemant Soren also spoke about the memorial of his grandfather, Sobran Manjhi, situated near the event venue. He recalled that his grandfather was killed by anti-social elements before he was born and said forces that seek to divide society still exist today.
Without naming anyone, he warned against attempts to create social divisions and stressed that Jharkhand’s greatest strength lies in unity, mutual respect and harmony among its people.
He also noted that the large turnout from across the state reflected the immense respect and affection people continue to hold for Shibu Soren.
The Chief Minister said the dream of a separate Jharkhand became a reality because of the sacrifices of Shibu Soren and numerous other leaders of the Jharkhand movement. He added that the government’s responsibility is now to accelerate the state’s development while ensuring that welfare schemes reach every citizen.
Reaffirming his government’s commitment to inclusive development, Hemant Soren also paid tribute to all the martyrs of the Jharkhand movement, saying their sacrifices would continue to inspire the state’s journey towards a stronger and more prosperous future.
With inputs from IANS