Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren, popularly known as ‘Guruji’ or ‘Dishom Guru’, passed away on August 4, 2025. He took his last breath at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi at 8:48 a.m. He was 81 years old. Doctors had admitted him to the nephrology department on June 19. He was fighting multiple health issues. His death has triggered a wave of grief across Jharkhand and the nation As soon as the news broke, people across the state reacted with shock and sorrow. Political leaders, party members, and the tribal community expressed deep grief. His son, Chief Minister Hemant Soren, said in an emotional statement, “I feel completely empty today. Guruji has left us all.”

He Battled Illness for Weeks

Shibu Soren died due to multiple health complications. He suffered from chronic kidney disease, diabetes, heart problems, and had recently suffered a brain stroke. He was undergoing dialysis and had a bypass surgery in the past. Although his health showed slight improvement in July, his condition worsened again in early August. Doctors placed him on a ventilator. Despite best efforts, they could not save him. His wife Kalpana Soren, son Hemant, and other family members were by his side when he passed.

A Pioneer of the Jharkhand Movement

Shibu Soren was more than a politician. He was the voice of tribal communities in Jharkhand. In the 1970s, he launched a strong movement against moneylenders who exploited poor tribal farmers.

His father’s murder pushed him toward public life. In 1973, he founded the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM). He then led a decades-long struggle to carve Jharkhand out of Bihar. His dream finally came true in 2000 when Jharkhand became a separate state.

He Served the State and the People

Soren became Chief Minister of Jharkhand three times. He also served as a Member of Parliament from Dumka eight times and as a Rajya Sabha member three times. His leadership helped shape the identity of the tribal movement in India.

His Career Faced Challenges Too

Despite his achievements, his political career saw controversies. His tenure as Chief Minister was often short and unstable. However, his influence among tribal voters never faded. His party, the JMM, still remains a key player in Jharkhand politics.

Shibu Soren’s death marks the end of an era. He dedicated his entire life to uplifting tribal communities and securing their rights. His vision and struggle will continue to inspire young leaders and activists in Jharkhand and beyond. Even in death, Guruji’s legacy lives on—in the movement he started, the state he helped create, and the people he fought for.