TribalRights – Padma Bhushan Honour Rekindles Bharat Ratna Demand for Shibu Soren
TribalRights – The posthumous conferment of the Padma Bhushan on veteran tribal leader Shibu Soren has renewed calls for India’s highest civilian award in recognition of his lifelong contribution to social justice and indigenous rights.
Late Shibu Soren, widely respected as “Dishom Guru” and remembered as one of the leading figures behind the creation of Jharkhand, was posthumously awarded the Padma Bhushan on Tuesday. The honour, which is India’s third-highest civilian award, was received by his wife, Rupi Soren, during a special ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Recognition of a Lifetime of Public Service
President Droupadi Murmu presented the prestigious award in acknowledgment of Soren’s decades-long contribution to public life and his unwavering efforts to uplift tribal and disadvantaged communities. Throughout his political journey, he remained a prominent advocate for social equality and played a defining role in bringing national attention to the aspirations of Jharkhand’s people.
His leadership was instrumental in the movement that ultimately led to the formation of Jharkhand as a separate state. Beyond regional politics, Soren consistently highlighted the concerns of marginalized groups and worked to ensure their voices were heard at the national level.
Demand for Bharat Ratna Gains Momentum
Soon after the Padma Bhushan was conferred, leaders from the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and the Congress intensified their demand for the Bharat Ratna to be awarded to the late leader.
JMM Central Vice President and Rajya Sabha MP Baidyanath Ram said that Soren devoted his entire life to protecting the interests of tribal communities, indigenous populations, workers, and other underprivileged groups. According to him, Soren’s contribution to the struggle for a separate Jharkhand state remains unmatched.
He stated that while the Padma Bhushan is a significant honour, Soren’s impact extended far beyond Jharkhand. His efforts for social justice and people’s rights inspired movements and leaders across the country, making him a deserving candidate for the Bharat Ratna.
Congress Extends Support
The Congress party also backed the demand for the nation’s highest civilian honour. State Congress spokesperson Lal Kishore Nath Shahdeo said that Soren’s contribution to securing national recognition for the Jharkhand movement was exceptional.
He noted that Soren strengthened the representation of tribal communities and brought their concerns into mainstream political discourse. Shahdeo urged the Central Government to acknowledge these contributions by conferring the Bharat Ratna on the veteran leader.
Lasting Legacy of Jharkhand’s Mass Leader
Shibu Soren passed away on August 18, 2025, at the age of 81 following a prolonged illness. As the founder of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, he emerged as one of the most influential political figures in the state’s history.
Over the years, he championed causes related to tribal welfare, land ownership, forest rights, and the rehabilitation of displaced families. He also worked extensively for Dalits, backward classes, labourers, and other socially disadvantaged sections of society.
His advocacy focused on protecting vulnerable communities from exploitation while promoting inclusive growth and equitable development. Even after his passing, Soren’s contribution to tribal empowerment and social justice continues to shape political and social discourse in Jharkhand and beyond.