In a significant recognition of tribal leadership, the Indian government has announced the posthumous conferment of the Padma Bhushan award on Shibu Soren, former Chief Minister of Jharkhand and revered as ‘Dishom Guru.’ This decision, however, has sparked mixed reactions. While the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) hails it as a fitting tribute to his lifelong struggles, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), which he founded, expresses dissatisfaction, insisting on the nation’s highest civilian honor, the Bharat Ratna.
Shibu Soren’s legacy is etched in the annals of Jharkhand’s history. Born into humble beginnings, he rose as a fierce advocate for tribal rights, leading movements against exploitative moneylending practices and for alcohol prohibition. His pivotal role in the statehood movement transformed local grievances into a national discourse on indigenous rights. Under dire circumstances, he even served as Chief Minister, embodying resilience amid political turbulence.
BJP spokesperson Pratul Shahdeo welcomed the announcement, describing Soren as a hero who elevated tribal consciousness to a national stage. ‘This award acknowledges not just his political journey but the broader fight for tribal self-respect and land rights,’ Shahdeo stated. He highlighted Soren’s decades-long campaigns to protect water, forests, and land—core issues that resonated from Santhal Pargana to the entire region.
Contrastingly, JMM central spokesperson Manoj Pandey argued that the Padma Bhushan falls short of Soren’s monumental contributions. ‘His sacrifices for the upliftment of a vast population, his unyielding struggle and sacrifice, demand nothing less than the Bharat Ratna,’ Pandey asserted. The party, along with supporters across Jharkhand, continues to press the central government for this upgrade, viewing it as true justice for a visionary leader.
As the nation prepares for the Republic Day honors, this development reignites debates on honoring tribal icons adequately. Soren’s story remains a beacon for marginalized communities, underscoring the enduring quest for recognition and equity in India’s diverse fabric.