Ranchi :: The Jharkhand Janadhikar Mahasabha on Monday organized a tribute and pledge meeting at Bagaiya, Ranchi, in memory of Dishom Guru Shibu Soren, the iconic leader of Jharkhand’s struggles. The program combined cultural homage with a reflective discussion on “Jharkhand Movement – Dreams, Struggles and Challenges.”
The event opened with Santhali and Hindi songs as a cultural offering, followed by floral tributes at the portrait of Shibu Soren. Priyashila, Meena Murmu, Babita, Mary Nisha Hansda, Elina Horo, Leena Padma, Tom Kawla, Kumar Chandra Mardi, Faisal Anurag, Srinivas and others actively participated. The session was conducted by Praveer Peter.
Remembering the Movement
A special session was devoted to understanding Shibu Soren through the lens of Jharkhand’s movement. Speakers included Bahadur Oraon, Faisal Anurag, Soren’s close associate Dular Chandra Nayak, anti-displacement organizer Kumar Chandra Mardi, and Shamim. The discussion was moderated by Aloka Kujur and Dinesh Murmu.
Introducing the theme, Tom Kawla traced Soren’s journey from the legacy of his father Sobaran Manjhi’s anti-moneylender struggle to becoming a mass leader. He noted that Soren was more a people’s activist than a traditional politician. His fight exposed the harsh exploitation of moneylenders and sparked an awakening in Jharkhand.
Bahadur Oraon recalled the struggles of railway, bidi workers and farmers, pointing to the 1978 Gosner College conference that gave fresh momentum to the Jharkhand movement. He stressed that the struggle remains unfinished and must aim for systemic transformation, not just change in political power.
Faisal Anurag highlighted Soren’s three major contributions: awakening class consciousness in Jharkhand, bringing a cultural perspective to the movement inspired by Birsa Munda and Sidho-Kanho, and endorsing a socialist ideological direction.
Sharing personal memories, Dular Chandra Nayak recalled how Soren stood by landless peasants against moneylenders and insisted on indigenous leadership for the movement.
Voices of Continuity
The meeting also featured contributions from Domon Baske of the Chandil rehabilitation movement, Afzal Anis of United Delhi Forum, Siddheshwar Bhumij of Potka, Ramkavindra of Nav Janwadi Lokmanch, Nirmala Ekka, PUCL’s Shashi, Jeevan Kisku, AIPWA’s Nandita, among others. Participants emphasized that true homage to Shibu Soren lies in carrying forward his vision of justice, equality and grassroots empowerment.
The tribute and pledge gathering concluded with closing remarks by Manthan, affirming the need to continue Shibu Soren’s legacy of struggle and transformation.
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