Dishom Guru Shibu Soren to get Padma Bhushan posthumously today

Pioneer News Service
Ranchi

Dishom Guru Shibu Soren, who spearheaded Jharkhand movement and was a leading figure of the separate state, will be posthumously awarded Padma Bhushan on Tuesday (June 23). Late Shibu Soren’s widow Rupi Soren, and daughter-in-law, Kalpana Soren, will receive the award from President Droupadi Murmu at a ceremony to be held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. Rupi Soren and Kalpana Soren have already left for Delhi to attend the ceremony.

The Padma Bhushan is the country’s third-highest civilian award. Consequently, this award is considered a proud moment not only for Dishom Guru’s family and the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, but for the entire state of Jharkhand. Dishom Guru Shibu Soren is being posthumously awarded this award in recognition of his lifelong commitment to public welfare, the upliftment of tribal society, and his struggle for the rights and dignity of the tribal community. Throughout his political and social life, he consistently advocated for the rights and dignity of the tribal community.

The central government announced the Padma Bhushan award for Shibu Soren on the eve of Republic Day this year. However, demands for the Bharat Ratna have been raised from time to time. A formal resolution was even passed in the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly in this connection.

Considered one of Jharkhand’s most influential tribal leaders, Shibu Soren was recognized not only as a politician but also as a social reformer. He led a major movement against money lending and played a key role in organizing the tribal community. Popularly known as “Guruji,” Shibu Soren launched the “Paddy Harvesting Movement” to raise awareness among tribals. He also made significant efforts towards social change through the drug de-addiction campaign.

It is noteworthy that Shibu Soren passed away on August 4, 2025, after a prolonged illness. He served as a Lok Sabha MP for eight consecutive terms and also served as Coal Minister in the UPA government. He was a Rajya Sabha MP when he passed away.

The people of Jharkhand have an emotional connection with Shibu Soren, and for this reason he is known as the Dishom Guru. Shibu Soren entered public life by fighting against money lenders and the money lending system. He operated night schools to educate tribal people and campaigned against prohibition. He was not only a politician but also a social reformer.

President will confer 65 awards, including two Padma Vibhushan, six Padma Bhushan, and 57 Padma Shri awards. The 5:00 PM ceremony will draw high-profile attendees, including Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and other Union Ministers and dignitaries.