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Jharkhand Higher Education Minister Sudivya Kumar Sonu Dies At 56

Sudivya Kumar Sonu, who served as Jharkhand's Minister for Higher Education alongside portfolios in Tourism, Arts & Culture, and Sports and Youth Affairs, has passed away at the age of 56.

LSN India · 6 September 2026

The death of Sudivya Kumar Sonu marks a significant loss for the Jharkhand government, which relied on his stewardship of multiple critical departments. Beyond his primary responsibility for higher education in the state, Sonu had been entrusted with the management of tourism, arts and culture, and sports and youth affairs—portfolios that collectively shape the cultural and educational landscape of the region.

As Higher Education Minister, Sonu oversaw the state's colleges, universities, and academic institutions at a time when Jharkhand continues to develop its educational infrastructure. His tenure encompassed policy decisions affecting thousands of students and educators across the state's higher learning sector.

The minister's additional charge of tourism and arts and culture portfolios reflected the government's recognition of the importance of preserving and promoting Jharkhand's rich cultural heritage while developing its tourism potential. His responsibility for sports and youth affairs further underscored his influence on the state's development priorities across multiple sectors.

The circumstances surrounding Sonu's death and the immediate succession arrangements for his ministerial portfolios were not immediately detailed. His passing is likely to necessitate a reshuffling of responsibilities within the state cabinet as the government seeks to fill the void created by his absence.