THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, Nov. 22: The legacy of Jharkhand movement icon Shibu Soren dominated the atmosphere at the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly on Friday as the state marked the 25th anniversary, or Silver Jubilee, of its Legislative Assembly during a grand celebration attended by Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar and Chief Minister Hemant Soren. Beginning his address with an emotional tribute, the chief minister said that Shibu Soren was the symbol of Jharkhand’s soul, struggle, and self-respect, reminding the House that the state’s identity was built on decades of sacrifice and resistance by tribal and indigenous communities.
“Shibu Soren Was the Spirit of the Jharkhand Struggle”
Hemant Soren said it was deeply unfortunate that the pioneer of the Jharkhand movement was no longer alive to witness this historic moment. He said Soren dedicated every moment of his life to Jharkhand’s identity, rights, and dignity, and that under his leadership the movement grew into a mass struggle that eventually brought the state into existence. He described Shibu Soren as a source of inspiration and a guiding light whose ideals would continue to influence generations.
A Grand Ceremony Marks 25 Years of the Legislative Assembly
The event drew ministers, MLAs, MPs, former legislators, and Assembly officials, who gathered at the Assembly complex to commemorate twenty-five years of Jharkhand’s democratic journey. Hemant Soren congratulated all members and staff on the occasion, saying that the state’s 25-year experience had been shaped by struggle, transformation, and development. He added that recent Silver Jubilee celebrations by the state government and the High Court, followed by this event at the Assembly, demonstrate Jharkhand’s continued progress.
Government Priorities: Transparency, Service Delivery, and Social Empowerment
The chief minister said that since the state’s formation, the expected progress in poverty reduction, nutritional security, and social justice had not taken place, but that the present government was committed to economic, educational, and social empowerment. He said that programmes like the Right to Service were taking government services directly to people’s homes, and that the administration was focused on justice, transparency, and sensitivity to ensure that every citizen could access constitutional rights and benefits.
Recognition for MLAs, Martyrs, and Achievers
During the celebration, Raj Sinha was recognised as the Outstanding MLA, which the chief minister said reflected the dignity of the House and the discipline of public representatives. Families of police personnel and soldiers from Jharkhand who were martyred at national borders and in anti-Naxal operations were honoured with mementoes, certificates, and financial acknowledgements. Assembly staff were recognised for their service, and athletes, students, writers, and former legislators from across the state were also felicitated.
Publications were released during the event, including the biographies of Assembly members, the book Sadan Samvad, and the 99th and 100th editions of the Assembly’s monthly magazine Udaan.
Leaders and Representatives Attend the Silver Jubilee Event
Speaker Rabindranath Mahto, Leader of the Opposition Babulal Marandi, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Radhakrishna Kishore, Opposition Chief Whip Naveen Jaiswal, Secretary-in-Charge Maniklal Hembram, and several ministers, MPs, MLAs, former ministers, former MLAs, and Assembly officials were present at the ceremony.
A Day of Pride Rooted in Jharkhand’s History and Sacrifice
The Silver Jubilee celebration highlighted Jharkhand’s progress and reaffirmed the lasting contribution of Shibu Soren, whose decades of struggle made the state possible. As the Assembly completed 25 years, the message was one of pride, remembrance, and renewed commitment to the values that shaped Jharkhand’s identity.
