Giridih: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren attended the Marang Buru Dhoromgarh Mahasammelan at the Madhuban Police Station ground in Pirtand block of Giridih district on Thursday. Addressing a large gathering, he called upon the tribal community to remain united, strengthen its social identity and preserve its traditions and cultural heritage.
The Chief Minister said the tribal community enjoys distinctive social rights that are also recognised under the Indian Constitution. He emphasised that protecting and caring for Marang Buru Dhoromgarh is the moral responsibility of the entire community.
Addressing the gathering in the Santhali language, Soren said collective participation and mutual cooperation are essential for the overall development of society. He appreciated the organisation of the conference and assured the community of the government’s full support in its efforts to become more united, empowered and progressive.
Hemant Soren Calls for Preservation of Tribal Identity and Traditions
The Chief Minister described the tribal community as one of the oldest societies in the country. He said that although its roots remain strong, different sections of the community have gradually become divided over time.
Referring to differences in religious and cultural identities, he noted that some members identify themselves as Hindus, while others associate themselves with the Sarna tradition. He also pointed out the increasing use of Hindi alongside traditional tribal languages.
Highlighting the community’s historical relationship with forests, Soren said forests are regarded as sacred and have traditionally served as an important source of livelihood for tribal people.
He urged young people to understand their cultural traditions, customs and historical background and work towards preserving their identity for future generations.
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CM Hemant Soren Raises Concern Over Drug Abuse in Tribal Society
The Chief Minister expressed concern over increasing substance abuse in tribal communities, stating that addiction is weakening society and affecting its overall development.
He said the state government is working towards creating awareness through the campaign ‘Nashamukt Jeevan Ho Hamara’ (Let Our Lives Be Addiction-Free). He appealed to people to stay away from intoxicants and collectively contribute to building an addiction-free society.
Soren also referred to the Phulo-Jhano Ashirwad Yojana, which aims to provide dignified livelihood and self-employment opportunities to women associated with the traditional sale of handia (rice beer) and illegal liquor.
He said the initiative is intended to help women move towards alternative and respectable sources of income.
Chief Minister Emphasises Education, Agriculture and Economic Development
Soren expressed concern over the younger generation gradually moving away from traditional livelihood activities such as agriculture and animal husbandry, which played an important role in the lives of tribal ancestors.
He stressed that collective efforts are necessary to strengthen the community socially, economically and educationally.
Referring to the completion of more than 25 years since the formation of Jharkhand, the Chief Minister said the state still has considerable development work to undertake. He recalled the contribution of his father, Dishom Guru Shibu Soren, to the movement for the creation of Jharkhand.
He said the present era is highly competitive and communities must prepare themselves through education, awareness and unity to meet future challenges. He urged every member of society to become educated, informed and organised.
Government Assures Protection of Tribal Constitutional Rights
The Chief Minister said tribal communities have their own distinct cultures, traditions, religious beliefs and social systems, and these identities must be protected while moving towards development.
He noted that different laws and administrative arrangements apply to tribal communities in different regions. He assured the gathering that the state government supports the important issues raised during the conference and will ensure that the rights granted to tribal communities under the Constitution and law are not violated.
Soren also said the government would examine the memorandum submitted by the organisers in a fair and appropriate manner and extend all possible assistance to the community.
CM Hemant Soren Pays Tribute to Late Minister Sudivya Kumar Sonu
During his address, the Chief Minister remembered the contributions of late minister Sudivya Kumar Sonu and appreciated his work for the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and the people of the state.
He said Sonu had been associated with the party from its early days and worked with dedication and honesty for the organisation and the public. He was elected as an MLA twice and also served as a minister, taking on important responsibilities.
Soren praised his contribution and paid tribute to his service.
The conference also remembered several people close to the Chief Minister who had passed away in recent years.
Leaders and Tribal Representatives Attend Marang Buru Mahasammelan
Several public representatives and social leaders attended the conference, including:
- MLA Somesh Soren
- MLA Kalpana Soren
- Fagu Besra, Central President of the Marang Buru Bachao Sangharsh Morcha
- Hiralal Manjhi, General Secretary of the organisation
- Mahavir Murmu, District President
- Vishnu Kisku, District Secretary
Tribal representatives from different districts of Jharkhand, as well as Assam, Odisha, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal, participated in the gathering.
Gandey MLA Kalpana Murmu Soren had reached Madhuban on Wednesday night and attended the conference. She also stayed overnight in Giridih and participated in the programme before the Chief Minister’s arrival on Thursday.
An Odisha cultural troupe presented traditional performances at intervals during the event, which were enjoyed by the participants.
Religious Rituals Held at Dishom Manjhi Than
On the second day of the two-day conference, religious rituals continued at Dishom Manjhi Than from the morning.
Tribal devotees from different states reached the site and offered prayers to Marang Buru according to traditional customs. The rituals were performed in the presence of Nayake Baba.
The arrival of devotees continued even after the Chief Minister attended the programme.
Two Months of Preparations for the Tribal Conference
The Marang Buru Bachao Sangharsh Morcha had been preparing for the two-day Dhoromgarh Mahasammelan for nearly two months. Arrangements were made for representatives and devotees travelling from different states to attend the event.
The Giridih district administration had also been preparing for the Chief Minister’s visit and the successful organisation of the conference for several days.
Deputy Commissioner Ramniwas Yadav and Superintendent of Police Dr. Bimal Kumar led the district and police administration teams responsible for security and law-and-order arrangements.
Thousands of people attended the gathering. Parking facilities were arranged at several locations, including near Madhuban Mor and the Saurabhanchal Sanstha premises. Additional parking arrangements were made at other locations, with visitors walking to the conference venue.
Food arrangements for participants were made at Urban Haat, the Sidhu-Kanhu premises in Chirki and Harladih.
Among those present during the Chief Minister’s arrival were Dr. Sarfaraz Ahmad, Shweta Sharma (wife of late minister Sudivya Sonu), former MLA Kedar Hazra and JMM district president Sanjay Singh, along with several other party leaders.
Administrative officials involved in the arrangements included Deputy Development Commissioner Smriti Kumari, Sub-Divisional Officer Rajendra Prasad Gupta, Additional Superintendent of Police Surjeet Kumar, SDPO Abid Khan, DSPs Neeraj Kumar and Rupendra Rana, SDPO Jeetbahan Oraon, BDO Manoj Marandi, Circle Officer Hrishikesh Marandi, Madhuban Police Station in-charge Manilal Singh and Pirtand Police Station in-charge Jitendra Kumar Singh.
Several members and office-bearers of the Marang Buru Bachao Sangharsh Morcha also contributed to the organisation of the conference. They included General Secretary Hiralal Manjhi, Treasurer Somay Tudu, spokesperson Durga Charan Murmu, Manjhi Baba Binde Soren, TAC member Josai Mardi, Mahavir Murmu, Bishnu Kisku, Sonatan Soren, Ashok Murmu, Eto Baske, Sudhir Baske, Jagjivan Manjhi, Dr. Hembram, Bhagwan Kisku, Shanichar Besra, Dashrath Kisku, Premchand Murmu, Sanatan Chone, Rajesh Kisku, Baburam Soren, Dilip Kisku and Suresh Hembram.
The conference concluded with a vote of thanks by Mahavir Murmu. The Marang Buru Bachao Sangharsh Morcha also submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister, raising issues related to the protection of Marang Buru and other community concerns.
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