Giridih, Nov 5: Emphasizing the constitutional protection of tribal rights and the need to preserve cultural heritage, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren called for unity, education, and social reform within the tribal community at the Marang Buru Dhoromgad Mahasammelan held at Madhuban in Giridih district on Thursday.
Addressing a large gathering in Santali at the Madhuban Police Station grounds, Chief Minister Soren highlighted that tribal communities hold a distinct position in the nation’s socio-legal framework.
“Special social rights of the tribal community have been recognized in the Indian Constitution. There are many areas across the country where no work can be accomplished without the consent and permission of the tribal community,” Soren said, commending community leaders for organizing efforts to empower and modernize the indigenous population while preserving its core identity.
Soren underscored that protecting the sacred site of Marang Buru Dhoromgad is a moral duty shared by all members of the community, calling forest preservation intrinsic to tribal life and faith. “Tribal society is the oldest in the country. Our roots are strong, though our branches have diverged over time. Our ancestors lived in the forests, which provide livelihood and are akin to God to us,” he noted.
Reflecting on recent personal losses, including the passing of his parents, Dishom Guru Shibu Soren and Roopi Soren, the Chief Minister urged the younger generation to remain anchored in their traditional customs and historical background while keeping pace with global advancements.
“Today, the world is reaching the moon and pushing scientific boundaries, yet the tribal community remains educationally, intellectually, and economically weak. We are losing what our ancestors handed down to us. While agriculture and animal husbandry were our primary livelihoods, the current generation is moving away from them,” Soren observed, stressing the urgency of community-led educational and economic upliftment.
Addressing social challenges, Soren identified drug addiction as a major factor weakening indigenous families. He reiterated the state government’s commitment to eradicating addiction through public awareness drives and targeted welfare interventions like the Phulo-Jhano Ashirwad Yojana, which aims to transition women involved in the manufacture and sale of traditional liquor into dignified, sustainable self-employment.
Paying tributes to late local leaders, including former MLA Sudibya Kumar Sonu, the Chief Minister reflected on the state’s trajectory since its formation over 25 years ago, noting that sustained efforts are required to achieve full development goals.
The high-profile convention drew tribal representatives and delegates from across Jharkhand as well as neighboring states, including Assam, Odisha, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal. Prominent figures in attendance included MLA Kalpana Soren, MLA Somesh Soren, and leaders from the Marang Buru Bachao Sangharsh Morcha.
Upon his arrival at the CRPF camp helipad in Pirtand, Chief Minister Soren was accorded a Guard of Honor by the local administration in the presence of senior civil and police officials. He assured the gathering that the memorandum submitted by the forum would be given due administrative consideration.
