Ranchi (Jharkhand) [India], August 5 : The Archbishop of Ranchi, Vincent Aind, on Tuesday, paid tribute to JMM founder Shibu Soren, and said that he is seen as a messiah after Birsa Munda for the people of Chota Nagpur.
He praised Soren's efforts to uplift the tribal community by promoting education and a dignified way of life.
Speaking to the reporters here, Vincent Aind said, "He is considered the messiah after Birsa Munda, especially for Chota Nagpur. The example he set for the culture and respectable life of the people here, people who were caught up in the liquor menace, they didn't care about education, he made positive efforts for them. So, we are very grateful to him..."
Soren, a towering figure in Indian tribal politics and founder of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), passed away on Monday at the age of 81. He died at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi after a prolonged illness, leaving behind a legacy of struggle, sacrifice, and empowerment for India's tribal heartland.
Earlier in the day, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren penned an emotional note for his father and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) founder patron Shibu Soren.
In a post on X, Hemant Soren asserted that he has not only lost his father but a pillar of Jharkhand's soul has departed.
"I am going through the toughest days of my life. Not only has the shadow of a father been taken from me, but a pillar of Jharkhand's soul has departed. I didn't just call him 'Baba,' He was my guide, the root of my thoughts, and that forest-like shade that protected thousands and lakhs of Jharkhandis from the scorching sun and injustice," he said.
He recalled Shibu Soren's struggle from being born in a poor family to rising to become one of the most influential voices for the tribals.