Ranchi, Jan 25 (NationPress) Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren conveyed his sincere appreciation to the Central government on Sunday for the decision to award the Padma Bhushan to the esteemed tribal leader and former Union Minister Shibu Soren, affectionately known as ‘Dishom Guruji’.

The bond between Shibu Soren and Hemant Soren is that of a father and son, with Hemant following in the political footsteps of the JMM party's founder, Shibu Soren.

Shibu Soren is celebrated as ‘Dishom Guru’.

In a statement on the social media platform X, Chief Minister Hemant Soren remarked, “On behalf of the entire populace of Jharkhand, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Central government for the honour of the Padma Bhushan bestowed upon our cherished and esteemed Baba Sw Dishom Guruji Shibu Soren.”

The Chief Minister portrayed Shibu Soren’s life as one that goes beyond political confines and reaches into the vast expanse of human experience.

He highlighted that the elder leader’s journey stands as a beacon for equality, inclusivity, social justice, tribal identity, education, women's empowerment, and the rights of the underprivileged.

Hemant Soren reflected on how Shibu Soren's decades-long efforts ultimately led to the establishment of Jharkhand as a state, instilling a sense of pride in its inhabitants.

He stated, “This was the very struggle which, after decades of social and political battles, secured Jharkhand its own statehood and gave its people the pride of being Jharkhandi.”

Furthermore, the Chief Minister noted that Shibu Soren remains a monumental figure not only in Jharkhand but also among tribal communities nationwide - from Ladakh to Kerala, and from Rajasthan to Assam.

He described him as a true son of Mother India, asserting, “In the hearts and minds of the people of Jharkhand, and among tribal communities across the nation - from Ladakh to Kerala, from Rajasthan to Assam - Baba Sw Dishom Guru Shibu Soren has been, is, and will forever remain a true son of Mother India, a Bharat Ratna in spirit.”

The announcement of the Padma Bhushan for Shibu Soren has been met with widespread approval in Jharkhand, where he is seen as a symbol of tribal pride and social justice.

This honour is perceived as a recognition of his lifelong dedication to the rights of the marginalized and his crucial involvement in the formation of the Jharkhand state.

This latest accolade further cements Shibu Soren’s legacy as one of the most impactful tribal leaders in contemporary Indian politics, whose contributions continue to motivate future generations across the nation.