Shri Kalipada Soren, also known as Kherwal Soren, is a notable figure in both the literary and political spheres of West Bengal. Born on December 9, 1957, in Raghunathpur, near Jhargram, he has made significant contributions to Santali literature and culture.
Educational Background and Literary Career
Kalipada Soren graduated from Seva Bharati Mahavidyalaya and later obtained an M.A. in Political Science from Rabindra Bharati University. He is a prolific writer, having penned 31 plays, numerous stories, and poems primarily in the Santhali language. Additionally, he has edited a literary magazine called Kherwal Jaher and translated works such as the Bengali novel Anubhab by Dibyendu Palit into Santhali
His literary contributions earned him several accolades, including the Sahitya Akademi Award for his play Chet Re Cikayana in 2007, and he was conferred the Padma Shri award in 2022 for his work in literature
Political Career
In the political arena, Kalipada Soren is affiliated with the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC). He contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from the Jhargram constituency, which has a Scheduled Tribe (ST) designation. His candidacy marks a significant step in his political career, as he aims to represent the interests of his community and contribute to the region’s development
Contribution to Culture
Soren’s dual role as a writer and politician allows him to bridge the gap between cultural representation and political advocacy, making him a key figure in promoting Santhali culture and addressing the concerns of the tribal communities in West Bengal.