This year's Independence Day in Jharkhand will be different from tradition. In the absence of Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar will hoist the tricolor at Morhabadi Ground in Ranchi on August 15. This change is due to the passing of former Chief Minister Shibu Soren, whose Shradh ceremony will be attended by Hemant Soren.
Independence Day 2025 Jharkhand Celebrations: This year, on August 15, Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar will hoist the tricolor and address the main ceremony at Morhabadi Ground in Ranchi. Usually, this responsibility is fulfilled by the Chief Minister, but after the demise of former Chief Minister and JMM founder Shibu Soren, Chief Minister Hemant Soren will be in his native village Nemra, where he will attend the Shradh program. Meanwhile, the traditional ‘At Home’ program on Independence Day will also be organized at Raj Bhavan, in which dignitaries, freedom fighters, and senior officials of the state will participate.
Governor to Hoist Flag in Capital Ranchi
The Independence Day celebration of August 15, 2025, in Jharkhand will be different from tradition this time. In the main ceremony at Morhabadi Ground in Ranchi, Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar will hoist the tricolor instead of the Chief Minister. Usually, in Jharkhand, this responsibility is fulfilled by the Chief Minister, while the Governor hoists the flag in the sub-capital Dumka. But this year, the circumstances are different, as Chief Minister Hemant Soren will not be present at the ceremony.
Reason for Chief Minister's Absence
Chief Minister Hemant Soren is currently in his native village Nemra, where he will attend the Shradh ceremony of his father and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) founder Shibu Soren on August 15. Shibu Soren, 81, passed away on August 4 in a hospital in Delhi. Shibu Soren, popularly and respectfully known as ‘Guruji’, played a key role in the formation of the separate state of Jharkhand and has been a Member of Parliament and Chief Minister several times. His death has sent a wave of mourning throughout the state.
The state government has issued an official statement stating that a proposal was sent to Governor Gangwar to hoist the flag at the main ceremony in Morhabadi due to the Chief Minister's absence, which he has accepted. The Governor will also address the public after hoisting the tricolor in the capital.
At Home Program at Raj Bhavan
On the occasion of Independence Day, the traditional ‘At Home’ program will be organized at Raj Bhavan in Jharkhand, in which dignitaries, senior officials, freedom fighters, and special guests of the state will be present. This program is considered an important part of the Independence Day celebrations in Jharkhand and encourages dedication to the nation every year while keeping the spirit of patriotism alive.
On this occasion, the political legacy of Shibu Soren, a pillar of Jharkhand politics, will also be remembered. Shibu Soren, the founder of JMM and three-time Chief Minister, gave a new direction to the tribal movement in the state. His death has deeply affected both the politics and the people of Jharkhand. His absence will be especially felt on a national festival like Independence Day, a man who made an indelible contribution to the development and history of the state.
