Politics
Jharkhand CM Urges Strengthening of Tribal Community at Santhal Gathering
By Amit Bhelari
On Thursday, November 5, 2026, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren called for further strengthening of the tribal community. He said that tribal society has specific social rights recognized by the Indian Constitution. Soren made the remarks while addressing the final day of the two‑day ‘Marang Buru Dhoromgad Mahasammelan’ held at the Madhuban Police Station grounds in Pirtand, Giridih district, organised by Marang Buru Bachao Sangharsh Morcha. Marang Buru is regarded as the supreme deity. Followers of the Sarna religion from across India gathered at the conference to protect tribal culture, traditional practices and religious heritage, with a focus on Santhal religious tradition.
Soren’s wife, MLA Kalpana Soren, Central President of the Morcha Fagu Besra, and representatives of tribal communities from Jharkhand, Assam, Odisha, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal were also present. Speaking in Santhali, he noted that many regions in the country require the consent and permission of the tribal community for any activity. He stressed the need for collective participation and mutual cooperation for the community’s holistic development and assured all possible support.
Soren said, “The preservation of ‘Marang Buru Dhoromgad’ is essential, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure its care.” He explained that the tribal society is the oldest in the country, with roots that remain strong while branches have diversified. “Today, some members identify as Hindu, while others follow the Sarna tradition. People speak both tribal languages and Hindi. Our ancestors lived in forests; the forests provide livelihoods and are regarded as divine,” he added.
A large population in Jharkhand follows the Sarna religion, worshipping ancient traditions and nature, and considering the worship of trees, mountains and forest protection as religious practice. Soren has repeatedly expressed concern about protecting the traditional religious existence of tribals based on nature. He had previously written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking recognition of the Sarna religious code, noting that the tribal population in the state has declined from 38% to 26% over the last eight decades.
Soren also mentioned that his parents, Dishom Guru Shibu Soren and Rupi Soren, had passed away and that their funeral rites were performed according to traditional customs and rituals. He urged youth to understand their traditions, customs and historical background. He noted that while the world has advanced to the moon and scientific research is flourishing, the tribal community remains economically, intellectually and educationally disadvantaged.
He highlighted his father’s role in the creation of Jharkhand and said, “More than 25 years after the state’s formation, the expected level of development has not been achieved. We must now prepare ourselves to move forward on the path of development.”
The Chief Minister also pointed out that liquor consumption weakens the tribal community, with many falling into its grip. He said the government has formed a strategy to address this issue with a collective awareness campaign. The ‘Phulo‑Jhano Ashirwad Yojana’ is being implemented in Jharkhand to curb the production and sale of Hadiya (traditional rice beer) and illicit liquor.