NEW DELHI: Jharkhand chief ministerHemant Soren on Tuesday penned a heartfelt tribute to his father and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) founder Shibu Soren, following his death at the age of 81, calling it the “most toughest time of his life.“Shibu Soren, popularly known as ‘Dishom Guru’, was a towering figure in Indian tribal politics and played a key role in the movement for Jharkhand’s statehood. He passed away on Monday at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi after a prolonged illness.Sharing a post on X, Soren described the immense personal and public loss, stating that beyond losing a father, Jharkhand has lost a crucial leader.“I am going through the toughest days of my life. Not only has the shadow of a father been taken from me, but a pillar of Jharkhand’s soul has departed,” Hemant Soren posted on X.“I didn’t just call him ‘Baba,’ He was my guide, the root of my thoughts, and that forest-like shade that protected thousands and lakhs of Jharkhandis from the scorching sun and injustice,” he continued.Recalling his father’s humble beginnings, he said that his father was, “born in that small house in Nemra village, where there was poverty, there was hunger, but there was courage. In his childhood, he lost his father. The exploitation of the landlords gave him a fire that made him a fighter for his entire life.”The Jharkhand CM further reflected on how his father led not through words alone but by living the struggles of the people. “I have seen him tilling the fields, sitting among the people, not just giving speeches, but living the sorrows of the people,” he said.Explaining the origin of the title ‘Dishom Guru’, Hemant shared a childhood memory saying, “In my childhood, when I asked him, ‘Baba, why do people call you Dishom Guru?’ He would smile and say: ‘Because, son, I only understood their pain and made their fight my own.'”“That title was not written in any book, nor was it given by Parliament. It came from the hearts of Jharkhand’s people,” Soren added.He also explained the meaning behind the name: “‘Dishom’ means society, ‘Guru’ means the one who shows the way.”He also praised his father’s fearless commitment to justice, saying that he was not afraid of “taking on the mightiest of the mighty.”“I was scared, but Baba was never afraid. He would say: ‘If standing against injustice is a crime, then I will be guilty again and again.’ No book can explain Baba’s struggle. It was in his sweat, in his voice, and in the cracked heels covered by his sandals,” Hemant said.He recalled his father’s humility even after Jharkhand achieved statehood. “When Jharkhand became a state, His dream came true, but he never considered power an achievement. He said: “This state is not a throne for me, It is the identity of my people.”Hemant ended his note by acknowledging his father’s fighting spirit, stating that his presence would continue in every aspect of Jharkhand’s existence.“The dream you saw is now my promise. I will not let Jharkhand bow down; I will not let your name fade away. Your struggle will not remain incomplete. Baba, now you rest. You have fulfilled your duty. Now we must walk in your footsteps. Jharkhand will remain indebted to you. I, your son, will keep your promise,” the CM noted.Shibu Soren leaves behind a legacy of struggle, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to the cause of tribal empowerment in India. The emotional tribute came, as leaders across the political spectrum paid their respects to a the veteran leader. The final rites of the three-time Jharkhand chief minister will take place in Jharkhand on Tuesday.
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