The ancestral village of Nemra became a confluence of emotions, remembrance, and political symbolism on Saturday as leaders from across the country gathered to pay homage to former Jharkhand Chief Minister and legendary tribal leader Dishom Guru Shibu Soren during his Sanskar Bhoj (memorial feast).
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, Jharkhand Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar, senior parliamentarians, and spiritual leader Baba Ramdev were among the dignitaries who joined Chief Minister Hemant Soren and his family in remembering the late leader, who was affectionately known as Guruji.
Rajnath Singh reached Nemra to pay floral tributes at Guruji’s portrait and extended condolences to Hemant Soren and his family. Recalling his association with the late leader, Singh said he was deeply impressed by Shibu Soren’s simplicity, humility, and personality. He remarked that he had met Guruji several times and that his ease of conduct and approachability always left an impression. “He was not only a leader of the tribal community but also a guardian figure for society at large. I bow to his memory,” the Defence Minister said.
Jharkhand Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar also attended the gathering, offering flowers at Soren’s portrait before meeting the bereaved family and conveying his condolences. In a significant gesture reflecting Soren’s national stature, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy flew to Nemra to take part in the ceremony. He laid floral tributes and spent time with Hemant Soren and his family while expressing grief at the passing of a leader who had long represented the struggles of marginalised communities.
The Sanskar Bhoj also saw the presence of several other political and social figures, including Union Minister Sanjay Seth, former Union Minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey, Member of Parliament Pappu Yadav, former Rajya Sabha MP R. K. Anand, and Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev. All paid floral tributes to Guruji and extended solidarity to the grieving family.
The large turnout of leaders from different political affiliations underscored Shibu Soren’s unique place in Indian public life. Known as the architect of Jharkhand’s statehood movement and a three-time Chief Minister, he was regarded as the voice of tribal rights and a grassroots fighter who shaped the state’s identity. His death has left a void in Jharkhand’s political landscape, yet the memorial gathering reflected the depth of respect he commanded across the spectrum. From senior BJP leaders to Congress allies, and from national figures to regional representatives, all came together in Nemra to honour a leader remembered for his humility, accessibility, and uncompromising fight for his people.
For the people of Nemra, the presence of national leaders was both a mark of respect and recognition of Guruji’s stature. For Jharkhand, it was a reminder that Shibu Soren’s journey, from grassroots struggles to the highest offices of power, remains an enduring chapter in the state’s history. As tributes poured in, one sentiment echoed strongly: Guruji belonged not just to Jharkhand but to the entire nation.