RANCHI: The Jharkhand unit of the Congress on Thursday demanded that former chief minister Shibu Soren be awarded the Bharat Ratna posthumously, a tribal university be established in his name, and his residence be declared a heritage site.
The party held a condolence meet at its state headquarters here and paid tributes to the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) co-founder, who breathed his last at a private hospital in Delhi on Monday.
The Congress members, including the state president, ministers, legislators and former ministers, recalled his contributions to Jharkhand and pledged to fulfill his dreams for the state.
"The contributions and sacrifices made by Shibu Soren ji for Jharkhand are unforgettable. Therefore, we have written to our two Members of Parliament to request the central government to confer the Bharat Ratna upon him," Jharkhand Congress president Keshav Mahto Kamlesh told reporters after the condolence meet.
He said, "We also demand a tribal university in his name and that his residence be declared as a heritage site so that people could see his contributions to the state."
Former Union minister Subodhkant Sahay said Shibu Soren was a towering tribal leader not only of Jharkhand but also of the country.
"We got statehood for Jharkhand because of the struggle of Shibu Soren ji. If today, we can dream of being an MLA, minister, MP or chief minister, it is because of him who created a separate Jharkhand. His contribution is unforgettable," state Health Minister Irfan Ansari said.
Congress legislator Rajesh Kachhap said Shibu Soren was the guide for the society, especially for the oppressed, deprived and tribals.
"He had always been fighting for 'Jal, Jungle and Jamin'. His death is a great loss for all," he said.
Congress legislature party leader Pradeep Yadav said the party has pledged to complete the unfulfilled works of the former chief minister.
Meanwhile, the Private Schools and Children Welfare Association (PASWA) demanded inclusion of the biography of the JMM supremo in the state's school curriculum. PASWA national president Alok Kumar Dubey said that the life and struggles of tribal icon Shibu Soren are a source of inspiration for future generations and must be made an essential part of value-based education in Jharkhand.
"Every child in Jharkhand has the right to learn about the leader who played a pivotal role in the state's creation and shaping its political identity. Shibu Soren's life represents sacrifice, struggle, and the relentless pursuit of social justice, and that students across all educational levels should be exposed to his contributions through structured curriculum modules," Dubey said.
He said a PASWA delegation will soon meet Chief Minister Hemant Soren and Education Minister Sudivya Kumar to formally present a proposal and hold serious discussions on the matter.