Jharkhand plunges into a state of shock and grief today following the sudden and unexpected passing of its respected Education Minister, Ramdas Soren. News of his demise this morning has sent ripples of sorrow across the state, leaving citizens and political figures deeply stunned. Soren, a pivotal figure in the state government, was widely recognized for his unwavering dedication to improving school systems and expanding learning opportunities for all children. His sudden absence creates a significant void in the state’s leadership, raising immediate concerns about the future of critical education reforms he tirelessly championed.
State Loses Key Leader
Jharkhand has been plunged into deep sadness following the sudden passing of its Education Minister, Ramdas Soren, on Friday, August 15, 2025. He was 62 years old. Minister Soren breathed his last at a private hospital in Delhi, where he had been receiving treatment for serious health problems. His condition had been critical. he was on life support in the days leading up to his death. The news of his demise was confirmed by Kunal Sarangi, the national spokesperson for the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) party.
The minister had been admitted to the Delhi hospital on August 2, 2025. This followed an accident at his home in Jamshedpur, where he fell in his bathroom, suffering a serious head injury and a blood clot. After the incident, he was first taken to Tata Motors Hospital in Jamshedpur. Due to the severe nature of his injuries, he was then airlifted to Apollo Hospital in Delhi for more specialized medical care. Despite the best efforts of a team of senior doctors and specialists who monitored his condition closely, his health did not improve. he eventually passed away.
A Life of Public Service
Ramdas Soren was a prominent figure in Jharkhand politics, known for his strong connection with common people and his dedication to public service. Born on January 1, 1963, in Ghorabandha village, located in the East Singhbhum district, his journey in public life began at the local level. He started his political career as the ‘gram pradhan’ (village head) of the Ghorabanda panchayat. This early role gave him a deep understanding of the needs and issues faced by people at the grassroots level, which stayed with him throughout his career.
As he gained experience and trust, Soren rose through the ranks of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) party, becoming a senior and respected leader. In 1990, he was made the Jamshedpur East president of the JMM. He was a three-term Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Ghatshila Assembly constituency. He first won this seat in 2009 and served until 2014. After losing in 2014, he made a comeback in 2019, securing the seat again. Most recently, he won the Ghatshila seat for his third term in the 2024 elections, showing his continued popularity among the voters.
Minister Soren played a vital role in the Hemant Soren-led state government. He was inducted into the state Cabinet on August 30, 2024, taking over from Champai Soren, who resigned from his ministerial post. At the time of his passing, he held the essential portfolio of Minister of School Education and Literacy Development. Before this, from August 30 to November 28, 2024, he also served as the Minister for Water Resources Department, Higher Education. Technical Education.
Throughout his time as Education Minister, Ramdas Soren was a strong advocate for education reforms and tribal rights in the state. He believed that every child in Jharkhand should have access to good quality education. He worked hard to make schools stronger, create more chances for young people. bring hope to many families through learning. His work in the education sector aimed to improve the lives of thousands. he was seen as a committed public servant who steadily moved up from local governance to a key position in the state government.
Tributes Pour In from Across the State
The news of Minister Ramdas Soren’s death has brought widespread grief and shock across Jharkhand’s political landscape and among its citizens. Leaders from various political parties have expressed their sorrow and paid tribute to the departed leader.
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren shared his deep sadness, posting on X (formerly Twitter), “Ramdas Da (brother) should not have left us like this. Last greetings to Dada.” This message reflected the personal and professional void left by the minister’s passing.
The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) party spokesperson, Kunal Sarangi, who confirmed the news, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the doctors and healthcare workers who tirelessly worked to save the minister’s life. Sarangi also said that the loss was “a personal and irreparable loss for his millions of fans, well-wishers, hard-working workers, colleagues of the School Education and Registration Department and all of us.”
Other prominent figures also offered their condolences. BJP state spokesperson Pratul Shah Dev expressed sorrow, describing Ramdas Soren as a “true soldier and agitator of the JMM party.” He also noted the recent difficult period for Jharkhand, mentioning the passing of party patriarch Shibu Soren earlier in the month, calling Ramdas Soren’s death a “double blow” that has deeply saddened the entire state. Jharkhand Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar also condoled his death.
Political colleagues and supporters remember Ramdas Soren as a simple, warm. tireless leader who was dedicated to helping the poor and marginalized. His simple nature and commitment earned him respect from people of all communities. The state government declared one day of state mourning on Saturday, August 16, 2025, to honor the late minister. During this period, the National Flag will be flown at half-mast on all government buildings in Jharkhand. no official functions will take place.
The general public, especially in his constituency of Ghatshila and across the state, has also mourned the loss of a leader who was known for his accessibility and concern for their welfare. Social media platforms were filled with messages of sympathy and remembrance from citizens sharing their memories of the minister. His passing marks a significant loss for the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, which is also grieving the recent death of its patriarch.
Future of Education in Focus
The unexpected death of Education Minister Ramdas Soren creates a notable gap in Jharkhand’s education sector. He was seen as a driving force behind various educational initiatives and reforms aimed at improving school infrastructure and the quality of learning for children across the state. His vision for a more educated Jharkhand was a key part of the state government’s agenda.
With his sudden departure, questions naturally arise about the future of ongoing projects and policies under the Department of School Education and Literacy Development. During his illness, the responsibilities of the Education and Literacy Department were temporarily given to Sudivya Kumar Sonu. It remains to be seen how the state government will ensure the continued progress of educational reforms that Minister Soren had championed. His commitment to expanding learning opportunities and strengthening the education system will be a legacy that future leaders in the department will be expected to carry forward. The focus will now turn to who will take on this vital role and how they will build upon the foundations laid by the late minister. The education community in Jharkhand will be closely watching to see how the state addresses this major change and continues its work towards a better future for its students.
