Ramgarh: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren unveiled a 14-foot-tall statue of Dishom Guru Shibu Soren at Lukaiyatand in Gola block of Ramgarh district on Tuesday, marking the late leader’s first death anniversary.
The statue was unveiled at the Sona Sobaran Memorial School campus, the ancestral village of Shibu Soren, in the presence of ministers, Members of Parliament, MLAs, Jharkhand movement activists, public representatives, and members of the Soren family. Thousands of supporters also attended the event.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister urged the younger generation to remember Shibu Soren’s lifelong struggle against exploitation and to draw inspiration from his values of simplicity, sacrifice, and social justice.
Tribute to a Leader Who Shaped Jharkhand’s Identity
Following the unveiling ceremony, Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Cabinet ministers, elected representatives, and Jharkhand movement activists paid floral tributes to Dishom Guru Shibu Soren.
The gathering remembered his pivotal contribution to the Jharkhand movement and his role in the creation of the state. Around 10,000 people were expected to participate in the tribute programme.
The district administration made extensive arrangements for security, traffic management, parking, drinking water, and other public facilities.
CM Calls on Youth to Learn from History
Addressing the gathering, Hemant Soren said the grand statue had been installed to ensure that future generations never forget the struggles their ancestors faced against exploitation.
He said understanding history would help society shape a better future and overcome upcoming challenges.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the sacrifices made during the Jharkhand movement should continue to inspire the state’s youth.
CM Recalls His Grandfather Sobaran Manjhi
During his emotional speech, Hemant Soren recalled that Sobaran Manjhi, his grandfather, had served as a school teacher in the region before he was killed by anti-social elements.
He noted that the memorial site of his grandfather is also located near the newly unveiled statue and said the tragic incident had taken place before his birth.
The Chief Minister expressed concern that anti-social forces still exist in society in different forms and stressed the need for continued vigilance.
Unity Is the Solution, Says Hemant Soren
The Chief Minister highlighted the importance of unity and mutual respect in society.
He said that unless people respect one another, conflicts would continue to persist. According to him, unity remains the strongest response to social divisions and injustice.
Hemant Soren also reiterated that the state government’s objective is to ensure that welfare schemes, public services, and constitutional rights reach the last person in society.
Development Projects and Welfare Benefits Launched
The programme was not limited to paying tribute to the late leader.
On the occasion, the state government also:
- Inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for several development projects through virtual mode.
- Distributed welfare assets among beneficiaries, including:
- Tricycles
- Bicycles
- Tractors
- Solar pumps
- Other livelihood-support assets
The Chief Minister said these initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to public welfare and inclusive development.
Statue to Preserve Jharkhand’s Legacy
Hemant Soren said the statue of Dishom Guru Shibu Soren would serve as a lasting symbol of Jharkhand’s movement for identity, rights, and social justice.
He described the monument as more than a memorial, calling it a living reminder of the struggle that shaped the state’s separate identity and democratic journey.
Finance Minister Pays Tribute to Shibu Soren
Jharkhand Finance Minister Radhakrishna Kishore also addressed the gathering and described Shibu Soren as a great leader whose ideals would continue to guide future generations.
He said it was impossible to fully capture the late leader’s personality and life philosophy in a short speech.
According to the Finance Minister, Shibu Soren dedicated his life to public welfare and social justice, and his contribution laid the foundation for Jharkhand’s democratic development.
CM Responds to Students’ Protest
Speaking to reporters after the programme, Chief Minister Hemant Soren also commented on the ongoing student protest in Ranchi.
He said the state government is treating the matter seriously and that an investigation team is working continuously to determine the facts.
The Chief Minister assured that the findings would be made public after the inquiry is completed and said the government would ensure justice for young people in accordance with constitutional provisions and established rules.
